French's International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and 
the United States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors 



©C3©0®GOC©C3S»99<3©<l • • 9 • ® • 9 

9 



No. 356 



The ManWithout A Country 



PS 3525 
.0227 
M3 
Copy 1 



A PLAY 



BY 

ELIZABETH McFADDEN 

AND 

AGNES CRIMMINS 



ADAPTED FROM THE STORY OF THE SAME NAME BY 
EDWARD EVERETT HALE 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



The ManWithout A Country 

A PLAY 



In a Prologue 
Three acts and an Epilogue 



BY 

ELIZABETH McFADDEN 

AND 

AGNES CRIMMINS 



ADAPTED FROM THE STORY OF THE SAME NAME BY 
EDWARD EVERETT HALE 



Copyright 1918, 2y E.A.KcFadden 

Agn e s C rimmin s . 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHES 

28-30 West 38th STREET 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street 
STRAND 






Copyright, 1918, By E. A. McFaddkn and Agnes CbiMMins 



Especial notice should be taken that the possession 
of this book without a valid contract for production 
first having been obtained from the publisher, confers 
do right or license to professionals or amateurs to 
produce the play publicly or in private for gain or 
charity. 

In its present form this play is dedicated to the 
reading public only, and no performance of it may be 
given, except by special arrangement, with Samuel 
French. 

SECTION 28.— That any person who wilfully or for 
profit shall infringe any copyright secured by this act, 
or Avho shall knowingly and wilfully aid or abet such 
infringement, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 
and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by im- 
prisonment for not exceeding one year, or by a fine of 
not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one 
thousand dollars, or both, in the discretion of the court. 
Art of March 4, 1909. 



APR 30 ,0, 3 



g)CI.D 49439 



o | 



PREFACE 



The story of " The Man Without a Country " was 
written by Edward Everett Hale in the summer of 
1863 and published in the " Atlantic Monthly " in 
December of that year. It achieved at once the 
fame which was its due. It was copied broadcast 
and within a year after its first appearance more 
than half a million copies had been sold in America 
and England. 

While pure fiction as far as the mere story is 
concerned, the psychology of Nolan's experience is 
profoundly true and the historical background is 
deeply studied. 

In writing the present play the adaptors must 
acknowledge their indebtedness not only to Dr. Hale, 
which indeed is evident on every page, but also to 
many historical sources, such as the Reports of the 
Trial of Aaron Burr and other court martial pro- 
ceedings of the day. The famous speeches of John 
Marshall and William Wirt at Burr's trial have been 
freely drawn upon both for fact and phrase. It 
would be difficult to list all the sources which have 
been consulted for American naval history but chief 
in interest and value among them are: Mr. Roose- 
velt's Naval War of 1812, Hollis's account of the 
Frigate " Constitution ", the standard biographies of 
our naval heroes, and the quaint old newspapers of 
the period. 

The play has been written especially for boys, 
a class much neglected by the playwrights. There 
are only two women's parts in the entire action and 
by a little judicious cutting these may be eliminated 

3 



4 PREFACE 

without loss of interest. The concentration required 
by the dramatic form made it necessary to drop out 
the latter part of the story and end the play with 
Nolan's exploit in battle. This seemed doubly de- 
sirable as the long death-bed scene which forms the 
second half of the tale would neither have been in- 
teresting to boys to act nor within the range of their 
dramatic ability. Compensation for the loss of this 
material lay in the possibility of developing the 
historical background of the play and making it more 
vivid. 

The early days of the American Navy are abrim 
with romance and full of lessons for the present. It 
should mean something to a lad living in 191 8 to 
learn that the " freedom of the seas " for which 
we are contending is no mere mushroom theory of 
the hour but an ancient right deeply cemented in our 
national code by the blood of many an American 
hero. 

In this hour of crisis we all need the inspiration, 
the steadfast courage, the true perspective of events 
and the fresh consecration to national ideals which 
only a study of our history can give us. It is hoped 
that the research required in producing the play may 
lead some of our boys to such a study. 

ELIZABETH McFADDEN, 
AGNES CRIMMINS. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 



PERSONS OF PROLOGUE AND EPILOGUE 

The Recruiting Officer 
TtrE Volunteer 
The Flag Vender 
The Old Man 
The Girl 
The Slacker 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

Lieut. Philip Nolan 

Col. Morgan 

Lieut. Jack KingsleY 

Lieut. Richard Dent 

Lieut. Col, Henry 

Major Spence 

Capt. Dayton 

Lieut. Maclean 

Lieut. Blue 

Brock, a scout 

Lieut. Danforth 

Singing Joe,, able seaman 

Lieut. TrUxton 

Lieut. MorrLs 

Capt. Shaw 

Lieut. Phillips 

Harry Cole 

Virginia Rutledge 

Soldiers, Sailors, Pirates, etc. 

5 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 



SCENES 



Prologue: A recruiting Station in any city in the 
United States. Time, the present. 

Act I. A room in an administration building 
at Fort Adams, Mississippi, Sep- 
tember, 1807. 

Act II. On board "The Warren" anchored in 
the Bay of Naples. Two years later. 

Act III. On board " The Warren " at sea. The 
following morning. 
Epilogue: Time and scene as in prologue. 



The Man Without A Country 



PROLOGUE 

Scene: The scene is a khaki recruiting tent, 
situated upon a square, or green, presumably 
facing the main street of the city. The front 
of the tent is open. Above the opening is the 
sign: UNITED STATES RECRUITING 
STATION. 

Within is a plain table at center, with chair 
facing front. At r. of table is a canvas-covered 
camp stool. At r. and l., against zvalls of tent, 
are long, plain, un painted wooden benches. On 
the back zvall is an occulisfs alphabetical eye- 
test card. The platform upon which the tent is 
■set up extends about five feet in front, and to 
'within about five feet of the foot-lights, and is 
one step above the stage, thereby suggesting 
the sidewalk in front. The roof of the tent 
is extended above, making a piazza effect. 

On the platform, at r., is a poster of Uncle 
Sam, with the words belozv "I WANT YOU 
FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY". 
At l. is a poster of Columbia, with the words 
belozv: " COLUMBIA CALLS ". Fastened to 
frees at r. and l. of tent are two flag-poles; at r. 
the United States flag; at l. a navy-blue flag, 
■upon which, in white letters are the words: 

"MEN WANTED FOR THE UNITED 
STATES ARMY ". 

7 



8 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

At rise of curtain the Recruiting Officer is 
sitting at table in tent. He is a man of about 
forty years, with gray hair, smoothly shaven 
face, and of military bearing. He is dressed 
in the khaki uniform of a Captain. Sitting on 
stool, at r. of table, facing eye-test chart, and 
with back to the audience, is the Volunteer, 
a well set-up young American. 

Officer. Read the top line. 

Volunteer. P-B-L-R-F. 

Officer. Read the third line. 

Volunteer. M-X-U-D-O. 

Officer. That's right. Now the last line. 

Volunteer. T-I-H-A-V. 

Officer. You'll get by on your eye-sight. 

Volunteer. (Turning towards him eagerly) 
And is that all, sir? — Am I all right to enlist? 

Officer. (With a sympathetic smile) You 
look pretty fit, but you'll have to take the physical 
examination. (Takes enlistment blank out of table 
drawer, and lays it in front of the Volunteer) 
Have you any dependents? 

Volunteer. No, sir. 

Officer. Then you can fill this out now. 
(Passes him a pen) 

(Both men bend over blank: the Officer explain- 
ing in a low voice; the young man writing. 
From r. enters an Italian Flag Vender, with 
board covered with dark blue cloth, on which 
are fastened pins of the United States colors, of 
various styles. About the top of the board are 
crozvded the flags of the Allies. He is a man of 
thirty-five years, or thereabouts with the half- 
melancholy, half-gay expression which is char- 
acteristic of his race. He is dressed poorly, 
but in the picturesque style of the average 
Italian.) 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 9 

Vender. (Walking slowly across stage, looking 
from r. to l., calling out his wares as he goes) 
Getta de color ! — Showa de color ! — Alia de fiagga ! 
— Getta de color! (A rather shabbily-dressed Old 
Max conies on at l. Italian approaches him 
eagerly; with ingratiating smile) Getta de color, 
signor. (Eagerly as the Old Man slozvs up, ex- 
amining board) Alia de color. Parada, she come 
subito. You showa de color, signor? (Offering 
an American flag) 

Old Max. ( Wth a sigh) I suppose that's all 
an old man like me can do. (Putting his liand into 
his pocket, and taking the flag) 

Vender. (Smiling eagerly at chance of a sale) 
Si, signor, si ! 

Old Man. (Looking wistfully towards Re- 
cruiting tent) Plow I'd like to be that young man! 

Vender. (With gesture of melancholy) Ah! 
sama de here, signor. Me lika fighta for my Italia. 
(Holding up Italian flag affectionately) No canna. 
Fiva bambina ; — eata maccaroni alia time. Macca- 
roni, she go uppa — (Gesture of lifting his hand 
higher and higher) uppa. Bambina cria. Me 
canna no fight. 

Old Max. We'll have to do our bit here at 
home. 

Vender. Si, signor, si. 

Old Max. (Hoding up flag) How much? 

Vender. (With ingratiating smile) Twenta 
five centa. Quarta dollar. (Old Man passes out 
money) Grazie, signor, grazie. 

Old Man. (Passing out another coin) And take 
this for the bambina. 

Vender. (Reluctantly) Oh, noh, signor! 

Old Man. (Pressing it upon him) Yes, take 
it. (With sad smile) I have no babies to buy 
maccaroni for. 

Vender. Oh, grazie, tante grazie, signor. 



io THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRV 

Old Man. (Fastening colors on lapel of coat) 
There's no flag like that, — did you know it? 

Vender. Si, signor. (Holding up Italian flag) 
No flag like my Italiana. She multa bella, — my Ital- 
ia n a. 

( The Old Man starts off r. looking lingeringly into 

tent as he goes. ) 

Vender. {Looks after him gratefully; then 
turns, walks back and forth, calling) Getta de 
color! — Showa de color! (From r. enters, with 
a mincing gale, a Girl of eighteen or twenty years, 
a little tripping creature, dressed in a blue serge 
suit quite a la mode. Vender, espying her, ap- 
proaches with same ingratiating smile) Buya de 
color, signorina. (Girl pauses and studies board) 
Alia de color. Parada she coma, pret' quick. Sig- 
norina showa de color? 

Girl. (With a little giggle) I s'pose I ought to 
have one. 

Vender. {Eagerly) Si, signorina, si. Alia 
showa de color now. 

Girl. {Fingering pins) They might think I was 
a spy if I didn't, I s'pose. {Another little giggle) 

Vender. Si, signorina. (Offering pin) She 
naice. 

Girl. How much are they? 

Vender. Twenta five centa : quarta dollar. 

Girl. Haven't you any for ninteen cents ? 

Vender. ( With characteristic shrug of shoulders) 
Oh, noh, signorina. Alia de same. Cheapa de 
price. 

Girl. I s'pose I could give up that soda. 

Vender. Si, signorina ! Soda ! She alia gone 
in a minute. De flaga, she staya forever — (Touch- 
ing region of his heart) Ona de heart. 

Girl. Well, if you put it that way I guess I'll 
have to have one. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY n 

Vender. You take dis one? She naice. 

Girl. (Looking at it critically) I don't think it 
matches my suit. (Trying) No. Haven't you 
something a little darker? 

Vender. (Offering another) Disa one. She 
naice. Alia silk. 

Girl. U-m-m-m. (Looking over board) Those 
enamel ones are rather cute. 

Vender. Desa? Si, signorina. (Taking one out 
and offering it) You taka dis one? 

Girl. (Trying it in the lapel of her coat; takes 
out vanity case, and studies it in tJic mirror, turning 
her head from side to side critically) U-m-m-m. 
(Then turning to board again) I don't know. 
(Pointing to another) What's that one, with the 
colors running up and down. Stripes are worn a 
lot this year. 

Vender. Disa one. Signorina lika betta ? (Takes 
pin and offers it to her) 

Girl. (Trying it) Urn. That isn't so ordinary, 
is it? 

Vender, Si, si. (Catching himself quickly) 
Oh, non, non ! Mucha outa. Si. 

Girl. I'll take this. You're sure you haven't 
any cheaper ? 

Vender. Non, signorina ; — cheapa de price. 

Girl. (Taking out her pocketbook, with a sigh) 
Well, I s'pose it's worth it — to be patriotic. 

Vender. Grazie. signorina, grazie. 

Girl. (As she fastens pin into lapel of coat, 
looks curiously into tent) Oh, I'd just love to fight 
for my country ! 

Vender. Non! Non! We fighta for you. 

Girl. Oh, I'd just love to run one of those 
horrid old things through with a long knife. 

Vender. Non ! Non ! Dat is not naice for you. 
For me — (Feigning a lunge with imaginary knife) 
Si! 



12 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY' 

Girl. {Again looking from pin in her lapel to 
hoard) I don't know. I. guess I'll take the first 
one. This isn't really the flag, is it — with the stripes 
running up and down. {Looking others over) I 
wonder if there's any I'd like better. ( The Vender 
sighs as she changes pins) No, I guess this will do. 
(Fastening it in) There ! That's better. {Turning 
aivay trippingly — going off r. ) Good-bye. 

Vender. Arrivederci, signorina. {Moves off 
quickly, looking back furtively, as if afraid she 
zuould change her mind again. Calls to possible 
customer off-stage l. ) Getta de color. — Alia de 
flagga. {Exits) 

(The Girl looks coquetiishly into tent; then trips 
off r. patting her pin, and passifig The 
Slacker, zeho saunters lazily on, throwing an 
appreciative glance her zvay. She is too ab- 
sorbed in adjusting her pin to notice him. 
He is a well set-up young fellow of about 
twenty years of age, of the middle class ap- 
parently, of the same physique as the Volun- 
teer, but gay and light-hearted. He pauses to 
study the Recruiting tent, its posters and its 
occupants, zvith amused curiosity, moving slowly 
past, then turning and looking in, zvhistling 
softly some popular air.) 

Vender. {Coming on at l., coming forward 
eagerly) Buya de flag. — Getta de color, signor? 

Slacker. {Taking out cigarette, and lighting it 
zvith evident enjoyment) Nothing doing, mv friend. 

Vender. Naica flagga, signor. Showa de color. 
Parada, she come pret 5 quick. 

Slacker. {Indifferently) Air she can go pret' 
quick' for all of me. 

Vender. Naica flagga, signor. Only twenta 
five centa. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 13 

Slacker. {Holding up cigarette after deep 
puff) I can get twenty-five of those for that price. 

Vender. Cigaretta go no smoke. De flagga, she 
stay alia time. (Coaxingly) Bnya de flagga, signor. 
Showa de color. 

Slacker. Sentimental rubbish, Pietro Antonio 
Spaghettio. Not for mine ! 

{The Vender looks discouraged. The Volunteer 
and Recruiting Officer rise from table in 
tent and come out onto platform.) 

Volunteer. {To Officer, with an earnest look) 
Yon think, Captain, I can go right into training? 

Officer. If yon pass the physical examination, 
I think so. 

Volunteer. (Shaking his hand warmly) Thank 
yon, sir. I want to be ready when I'm needed. 

Officer. That's the spirit ! 

(The Slacker looks on in amusement.) 

Volunteer. Good-bye, sir. Thank yon very 
much. 

Officer. Good-bye, my boy. Good luck. 

Volunteer. Thank yon, sir. (Steps dozen from 
platform.) 

Vender. (To him, eagerly, holding out pin) 
Americana flagga, signor. Showa de color. 

Volunteer. (Squaring his shoulders) I'll show 
the colors when the call comes! (Goes off r., his 
head high, his step firm) 

(The Recruiting Officer looks after him approv- 
ingly.) 

Slacker. (To Italian, in amusement) Big 
Injun. Fight much. (The Vender mores off l. 



i 4 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

calling his wares as he goes, his voice gradually 
dying away. The Recruiting Officer studies the 
Slacker keenly. The Slacker throws a lazy, half- 
amused glance at him) Well, Cap, what's the great 
dope you're pulling off? 

Officer. (Seriously) The great dope, young 
man, is that your country needs you. 

Slacker. (Contemptuously) To fight the other 
feller's battle. Oh, no ! Not* for little Willie ! 

Officer. To fight for humanity, justice, de- 
mocracy ! 

Slacker. Fine words for the easy marks ! 

Officer. To defend that flag up there {Pointing 
to American flag) with your life, if necessary. 

Slacker. My mother didn't raise her boy for 
cannon fodder. 

Officer. Your mother, and every American 
mother, knows that when the call comes she has 
got to put aside all maternal claims. She has got 
to listen to a higher call, the call of the mother of 
every one of us, the call of our country, crying out 
to all her sons to defend her honor. 

Slacker. I don't see that there's any honor 
about it. You fellers have been just itching for 
some high heroics. We didn't have to get into this 
mess. There's nothing to it ! 

Officer. Was the sinking of the Lusitania noth- 
ing? Was the ruthless murder of our men, women 
and children nothing? Just as in the Spanish War 
our battle cry was " Remember the Maine ", so 
now let our inspiration be " Remember the Lusi- 
tania ". 

Slacker. And just because we lost a few hun- 
dred who were fools eroughto risk their necks, you 
think we ought to rush in and lose thousands, mil- 
lions more? Talk sense, Captain. The thing for 
us to have done was to write a few more notes, — to 
prolong the conversation. You know if you talk to 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 15 

the other chap long enough he will get tired and 
leave you alone. (Laughs) 

Officer. Don't laugh, young man. There is a 
nobler reason why we should get into this war. 
There is the same reason we had in 1776. We are 
getting into it so that the man in the street, such as 
vou are, -can have something to say about the govern- 
ment under which he lives, to place himself on an 
equal footing with the man who has been sitting 
upon a throne, making him bend the knee of sub- 
mission to unquestioning obedience — to slavery ! 

Slacker. Say, you talk almost as well as a cer- 
tain gentleman in Washington ! 

Officer. I speak for and with that gentleman, 
who is making history that will give the United 
States the first place among the countries of the 
world. And it is an honor for you and for me and 
for every able-bodied American citizen to have the 
opportunity of getting in on the making of that 
history. Youm>" man, the hour has struck ! 

Slacker. But the alarm clock hasn't gone off, 
Cap. (Stretching out his arms, lazily) Let me 
sleep in peace. 

Officer. And wake up, perhaps too late. My 
boy, if you do not join the colors now you put your- 
self in a class of men that is most despised, the class 
of the slacker — the coward — the shirk. 

Slacker. I should worry ! 

Officer. That's just what you should do. If 
you don't do your duty now, what will be your 
position in the community later on? I tell you, 
young man, after the war is over, you won't be able 
to look your friends in the face, unless you look 
the enemy in the face now. 

Slacker. (Laughing) Gas on, MacDufT ! Gas 
on ! That's what you're paid for. You're doing- 
fine, believe me. You'll get some likely suckers yet. 
(Laughs and starts to move off l.) 



16 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Officer. (Growing indignant) Wait ! (Goes 
up to huii) Have you no love for your country? 
No sense of patriotism? No feeling of loyalty to 
your native land, these wonderful United States? 

Slacker. (Contemptuously) United States! 
What do I owe to the United States? Do I owe 
it my job at eighteen dollars per? My three square 
meals a day? My downy couch at night? Not 
much! I owe what I've got to this — (Tapping his 
forehead) and this ! (Tapping his arm) And I'm 
not going to chuck it for any fine words from you 
or anybody else. To hear you talk one would think 
the United States was the Garden of Eden ! What 
is it but the dump heap of all the refuse of the 
world? The stamping ground of corrupt politicians, 
. r rafters — the — 

Officer. (Lifting his hand in zvamhig) Stop! 
Or you may regret your words ! You are insulting 
your country, the United States of America. 

Slacker. The united States be hanged, I say — 

Officer. (Coining up to him threateningly) 
Stop, I tell you! (Lifting his hand as if to strike 
him) Don't speak words you can never take back. 
A man did that once, and spent the rest of his life 
in repentance, remorse and shame. ( With quick 
thought, taking the young man's arm) Did you 
ever hear of " The Man Without a Country"? 

Slacker. (Laughing) What was he? A Yidd? 

Officer. He was a better man than you are. 
But he cursed his country, as you would do just 
now. (Indicating tent) Come in here. I'll tell 
you what happened to him — what it means to sneer 
at your country. (He leads the Slacker into tlie 
tent) 

(The lights fade gradually till the stage is dark.) 

Curtain 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 17 



ACT I 

Scene: A room on the ground floor of an adminis- 
tration building at Fort Adams, Mississippi 
in September, 1807. The room is a plain office, 
with doors down left (leading out to the parade 
ground) up right and center back (both into 
other rooms.) There are windows in side walls 
down right and up left. 

In the center of the room is an office table 
large enough for a dozen men to sit at com- 
fortably. At the end to the right, sits Col. 
Morgan, the President of the Court Martial. 
Beside him to the left is Major Spence, next 
him Capt. Dayton. On Morgan's right sits 
Col. Henry and next him Lieut. Blue. At 
the other end of the table are places for the 
judge Advocate and the Reporters and for 
the accused. 

It is morning about 9 A. M. 

Everything is commonplace enough within, 
but out of doors is the singing September day. 
When the curtain is raised the members of the 
court are in their places. Two Orderlies 
stand near the doors. Col. Morgan enters 
through the doorzvay back center, the Other 
Officers rise as he takes his place, then sit 
again. 

Morgan. (Gravely) Good-morning, gentlemen. 

The Others. Good-morning. Good-morning, 
Colonel. Morning, sir. 

Henry. Any more news, Colonel? 

Morgan. (Grimly) Nothing definite, the scouts 
have not come back but Dickinson thinks the Indians 



18 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

are massing in force on the other side of the river. 
Your men are holding themselves in readiness? 

The Others. Yes, — All ready, sir. They are! 
Ready, sir ! 

Morgan. Word may come at any moment ! We 
must push this ugly business here through and get 
rid of it. 

Dayton. Gad, sir, I wish Nolan had gone 
straight ! Two years ago there was no better man 
in my companv than he. 

Morgan. The more shame to him now ! I am 
not disposed to show him mercy. 

Henry. Nor I. 

Morgan. The court is in session. (Turns to 
orderly up right) Ask the Judge Advocate to come 
in. 

Spence. One moment, Colonel. May I have five 
minutes of the Court's time? 

Morgan. (Surprised) Yes — but — remember 
some of us may have to take to our saddles to- 
day. 

Blue. And a good job, too ! I'd take to the war 
path any time to get away from this — and fresh air 
in my lungs. 

Spence. Our duty is here also. 

Morgan. I do not mean to slight it, sir! We 
are here to mete out life or death to a young officer. 
(To Spence) If you feel that justice will be better 
served by your statement at this time, the Court will 
hear you. 

Spence. I do feel so ! 

Morgan. Go on then. 

Spence. (With a glance at the Orderlies) I'll 
be brief — but I want " closed session ". 

(Morgan gives a gesture of dismissal, the Order- 
lies salute and go out.) 

Morgan. Well, Spence? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 19 

S pence. (Rising) Just a word — about this lad — 
on trial here. 

Henry. Wouldn't it be more regular to speak 
before him? 

Spence. More regular, yes — but it would defeat 
my ends. I want to ask the court to observe the 
prisoner by the light of what I have to say. 

Morgan. And that is? 

Spence. I admit that he's facing the gravest 
charge that can be made against a soldier — treason ! 
— but I want to plead for him. I want to remind 
you that he is only twenty-four and that what 
Dayton has just said, is absolutely true; that two 
years ago, Philip Nolan was one of the finest young 
officers of the Legion of the West. 

Henry. It is hard to realize that in view of his 
present infamous conduct. 

Spence. You mean his defiant bearing? 

Henry. (Heatedly) I mean his constructive 
treason and his insolence on top of it. Gad, I'd 
break his sword on the parade ground ! I'd cashier 
him before his troop ! 

Spence. I knew you felt so ! 

MacLean. So do I ! There's too much of this 
loose talk against the Government. I move we make 
an example of this fellow. 

Spence. May I remind you that the 89th Article 
of War provides that when a prisoner, arraigned 
before a general court martial, from obstinacy or 
deliberate design, stands mute or answers foreign 
to the purpose, the court may proceed to trial and 
judgment, as if the prisoner had pleaded not guilty. 

Lieut. Blue. Perhaps Major Spence has — per- 
sonal- — I may say family reasons for befriending 
Lieutenant Nolan. 

Spence. (Haughtily) I don't understand you, 
sir. 



20 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Blue. Of course where a young lady is con- 
cerned. 

Morgan. {To Blue) Major Spence's motives 
are above suspicion. 

Spence. If you are referring to my niece, 
Virginia, I can assure you that her loyalty will al- 
ways outstrip her affection. 

Henry. In the name of Heaven, why are we on 
this subject? 

Spence. It is not the topic which I chose, sir ! 
I merely want to hel p a lad too sulky to defend 
himself. 

Henry. We are not trying him for being sulky 
but for beino- a traitor to the United States. 

Spence. Exactly! Let's hold to that and not 
harden our hearts because he is sulky ! Let's not 
forget that he has been led astray more by a youth- 
ful spirit of adventure and a beguiling friend than by 
any evil within himself. 

MacLean. . You condone his treason? 

Spence. No, but I understand it, I think, a little 
better than you seem to do. I want to give him 
justice. 

Morgan. Do net forget. Major Spence, that 
every member of this court is tinder oath "to duly 
administer justice without partiality, favor or affec- 
tion ". 

Spence. I do not forget it, sir, but we are deal- 
ing with a strange nature in a strange mood. He 
is his own worst enemy, and, gentlemen, there is to 
me no more moving sight than a lad trying to con- 
ceal the sensitive, tender, passionate soul of the- 
boy-he-is, under the hard veneer of the man-he- 
would-t>e. This wild thing we have caught here in 
the lariat of the law is no domestic pony from a 
New England farm — but a wild mustang of the 
plains, fierce, unbranded, free as the niffht wind. 
If he is silent it is because he is unable to express 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 21 

his heart in words, and because he believes he is 
guiltless of the charge. He is sore at our failure to 
understand him. 

Henry. I am proud of my inability in that mat- 
ter. 

Spence. I think that what the boy really needs 
to put him right with the world is not so much 
punishment, as a greater chance for service, service 
and self-sacrifice. It is always the man who has 
given the most to his country, who loves her best 
and is most happy in that love. That is why I never 
pity a dead soldier on the field of battle for I know 
that he carries the peace that the world cannot give 
in his silent heart. As for Nolan, punish him if 
you will, but for God's sake, gentlemen, choose a 
punishment that shall make,- — not break him. I've 
done. {He sits down) 

(Morgan strikes a bell on Jiis desk, the door up 
right is opened and an Orderly enters.) 

Morgan. The Court is open. Ask the Judge 
Advocate to come in. Bring in the prisoner. 

( The Orderly makes a gesture to some one through 
the open door behind him, then turns and goes 
out into the room behind. A moment later the 
Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Jack Kingsley, 
enters through the same door. He comes down, 
salutes the Other Officers, and sits at his place 
to the left, spreading out a handful of papers 
which he carries. He is follozved by a Second 
Officer, who also carries papers, sits beside 
Kingsley and acts as the reporter in the case.) 

Judge Advocate. Good-morning, gentlemen. 
The Others. Kingsley! Good-morning. Good- 
morning, sir. 



22 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Morgan. Any of the scouts back? 

Judge Advocate. Not yet. Dixon rode in to 
say that he hears the Cherokees have been having 
war dances for the past week. 

Morgan. Really ! 

Judge Advocate. Oh, and, Colonel Morgan, Miss 
Rutledge is in the next room. She requests permis- 
sion to come in. 

Morgan. (Decisively) No, she cannot come in. 
(To Spence apologetically) I'm sorry, Major 
Spence, since she is your niece, but this is man's 
business. 

Spence. I disapprove of it quite as much as you 
do, Colonel Morgan. (To Kingsley) Tell her, 
please, it is absolutely impossible. 

Judge Advocate. (Salutes and turns to go) 
Yes, sir. 

(Virginia Rutledge, a high-spirited, beautiful girl 
of eighteen, bursts into the room, brushing past 
the Orderly zvho would remonstrate with her.) 

Virginia. My Uncle will give me permission — I 
can come in, mayn't I, Uncle? 

( The Officers all rise and greet her, she is evidently 

a favorite.) 

Spence. Really, Virginia, this is too bad. 

Morgan. Miss Rutledge, this is no place for you. 
I cannot allow you to remain. 

Virginia. Oh, why not? I'll be very good. I 
won't interrupt. 

Morgan. It isn't that. It is the unpleasant nature 
of our task. 

Virginia. Oh, you think he's guilty. He isn't, 
I know he isn't, and I want to be here when he 
proves his innocence. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 23 

Morgan. I wish I had your faith, Miss Rutledge, 
for we all have been very fond of him, but I fear 
you are mistaken. 

Virginia. Oh, you haven't understood him, he is 
innocent, I know. 

Morgan. If he is, why does he remain silent in 
the face of accusation? 

Virginia. Because you have suspected him; be- 
cause you have hurt his pride. He is a man of 
honor and I want to hear him prove it to you here. 
Please let me stay. 

Morgan. (After a moment's hesitation) It is 
cruel to disillusion youth, Spence, but there are some 
things we all have to learn, even with great pain 
and suffering. I think perhaps it is our duty to let 
the child remain. 

Spence. (Bowing) As you will, sir. (Draws 
out a chair near himself for Virginia) 

Virginia. Thank you, Colonel Morgan. 

(Here the door up right is opened and Lieutenant 
Philip Nolan enters. He is a tall, handsome, 
dashing young fellow, clad in his uniform but 
without a sword. A look of joy lights up his 
face as he sees Virginia. She answers with a 
smile that indicates affection and confidence, 
and she maintains this confident demeanor 
throughout the first part of the proceedings. 
Nolan goes to the place reserved for him 
down left, saluting perfunctorily as he goes. 
The Other Officers do not return the salute.) 

Morgan. (To Nolan) Be seated, sir. 

(Nolan takes his seat. He is szvaggering in his 
indifference of pose.) 

Judge Advocate. (After conferring with an 



24 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Orderly zvho has just entered from the doorway 
left) Captain Heath wishes to know who is to 
command Lieutenant Nolan's troop, if the artillery 
is called out. 

Morgan. Lieutenant Dent is next in command. 

Judge Advocate. He is also our last and 
principal witness here. 

Morgan. Have him in at once. 

(The Judge Advocate speaks to the orderly near 
who goes through the doorway at the back. A 
mo incut later Dent enters. He is a fresh- 
faced young fellow.) 

Judge Advocate. Your name? 

Dent. Thomas R. Dent, sir. 

Judge Advocate. Raise your right hand. (Dent 
does so) " You swear that the evidence you shall 
give, in the case now in hearing, shall be the truth, 
the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help 
you God." 

Dent. I do ! 

Judge Advocate. You know the accused? 

Dent. I do. 

Judge Advocate. How long have you known 
him ? 

Dent. I've always known him, sir — we were 
brought up on adjoining plantations. 

Judge Advocate. Where was that? 

Dent. Outside of Louisville, Kentucky, sir. 
That's where we lived till we were about sixteen. 

Judge Advocate. And then? 

Dent. We ran away to Texas — to be with his 
brother Stephen. 

Judge Advocate. What doing? 

Dent. Hunting wild horses, sir. 

Judge Advocate. How long did you do that? 

Dent. For three years. 

Judge Advocate. And then? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 25 

Dent. Then Stephen got killed — and then we 
decided to enlist. 

Judge Advocate. You've seen a good deal of 
Nolan since ? 

Dent. With the same battery, sir, and room- 
mates. 

Judge Advocate. You know Philip Nolan pretty 
well. 

Dent. Better than his mother does, sir. 

Judge Advocate. Good ! — You know the charge 
against him? 

Dent. (Reluctantly) Treason, and complicity 
with the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. 

Judge Advocate. What can you tell the court 
about that? 

Dent. I — I wish I might be excused from 
testifying, sir, Philip and I look at these things dif- 
ferently. 

Judge Advocate. Remember your oath. What 
can you tell the court about Nolan's acquaintance 
with Burr? 

Dent. He knew him, sir. 

Judge Advocate. When did Nolan first meet 
Burr? Last year when Burr came through here? 

Dent. No, sir, up at Fort Massac. On Burr's 
first trip west. 

Judge Advocate. Tell the court about it. 

Dent. Nolan and I were up there with Major 
Dickinson's detachment after that raid of the 
Cherokees, and Burr came through. General 
Haskins gave a dinner party in Mr. Burr's honor 
and we were all invited. Nolan sat opposite Burr. 
Burr marked him even before dinner was over. 

Judge Advocate. You mean Burr paid him 
special attention? 

Dent. Most flatteringly — talking to him, defer- 
ring to him, laughing at his stories. You could see 
its effect on Nolan from the start. 



26 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Judge Advocate. Explain to the Court what you 
mean by " its effect on Nolan ". 

Dent. Well, it was like this. We broke up 
around I A. M. and Burr took Nolan out for a 
walk. Between three and four o'clock in the morn- 
ing Philip came back to our quarters. At first I 
thought he had been drinking, but it wasn't that — 
he was — he was just plain crazy over Burr — it was 
ugly to watch — he was hypnotized like a snake with 
a bird. 

Judge Advocate. Did he tell you of Burr's 
scheme ? 

Dent. Not then — Burr didn't talk of his plans 
on that trip. He just made Phil think he was the 
greatest man in America, and his devoted friend — ■ 
and went off and left him. 

Judge Advocate. And then? 

Dent. Nolan never was himself again after 
that — he used to write to Burr — long letters — and 
copy 'em and recopy — many a time I'd wake up at 
night and find him sitting up writing away. 

Judge Advocate. You mean he kept copies of 
his letters. 

Dent. No, I mean he didn't find them easy to 
write and he was mighty particular about their being 
as high sounding as he could make them. You see 
he'd never had any schooling to speak of. 

Judge Advocate. Um ! Tell us about his educa- 
tion. You went to school together? 

Dent. There wasn't any school in those parts, 
sir, though I remember Phil's father hired a tutor 
for him one winter — an Englishman I think he was. 

Judge Advocate. And the rest of the time, — 
Nothing ? 

Dent. We weren't exactly in the wilderness you 
understand — we had lots of fine company. 

Judge Advocate. Such as ? 

Dent. A good many Spanish officers stopped 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 27 

with us over night on their way to and from Mexico, 
or there'd be French merchants from New Orleans 
— fine gentlemen ! 

Judge Advocate. {To the court) In the midst 
of the Spanish plot and the Orleans plot ! 

Morgan. Small chance to learn much patriotism 
there ! 

Dent. And Phil travelled some. Once in a while 
he'd go to Vera Cruz on business for his father. 

Judge Advocate. To go back to his correspond- 
ence with Burr. Did you ever know of his getting 
letters from Burr? 

Dent. Never a line did he get, sir. The other 
fellows used to laugh at him because he spent his 
time mooning round writing away when he might 
have been playing Monongahela — or high-low-jack. 
We teased him a good deal, sir, and as the winter 
passed, it began to tell on him. 

Judge Advocate. In what way? 

Dent. He got pretty white and thin. Then — at 
last — he had his revenge. 

Judge Advocate. How? 

Dent. Burr came back. It was a great day for 
Nolan. 

Judge Advocate. {Referring to his notes) That 
was September, 1806. 

Dent. Right O ! — He talked then ! Burr had 
not been at the fort an hour before he sent for Phil. 
He took Nolan out in his boat on the river and kept 
him all night — he got him then body and soul. 

Judge Advocate. Did Nolan repeat to you any 
of the things Burr said to him? 

Dent. He did — he tried to get me to go in. 

Virginia. {In hot involuntary protest) Oh ! 

(Spence silences her with a look.) 

Judge Advocate. What were some of these 
things Burr said? 



28 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Dent. He — talked like a raving Arabian Nights* 
Tale. He said that great things were going to hap- 
pen in the next few years. That every one knew 
that the wealth of this continent is in Mexico, that 
the future seat of government must be there, that 
everyone knew Louisiana would never be a part of 
the United States, that everyone who knew history 
knew you had to have one strong centralized govern- 
ment to endure, not a dozen conflicting state govern- 
ments each looking out for itself. 

Judge Advocate. What else did he tell you 
Burr had said ? 

Dent. He said Burr told him that we men out 
here had no idea how few people there are in this 
country who have any faith in this government 
enduring. 

Judge Advocate. What did you tell him to all 
this? 

Dent. I told him I thought the men who had 
planned and carried through the Revolution could 
be trusted to uphold the Government now. 

Judge Advocate. What did he say to that ? 

Dent. He said it made no difference what I 
thought ; that Burr had been Vice President and 
knew the government from the inside. 

Judge Advocate. Did Nolan at any time confide 
to you his personal plans ? 

Dent. He said he was sick of the service. 

Judge Advocate. And? 

Dent. He said he'd obey any order — any time, 
signed " bv Command of his Excellency, Aaron 
Burr." 

Judge Advocate. That struck you as treason- 
able at the time, did it? 

Dent. I thought it pretty stiff, sir — for an 
officer. I told him so. I warned him against letting 
his men hear such talk from him. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 29 
Judge Advocate. That will do — you may step 



down. 



(Dent salutes, leaves the zvitness stand and goes 
out through the doorway leading on to the 
the parade ground.) 

Judge Advocate. {Turning to the Court) The 
prosecution here rests. (He sits) 

Morgan. The accused may now call any witness 
he wishes. 

Nolan. I haven't any witnesses. I don't want 
any. 

Morgan. That's your privilege. 

Judge Advocate. (Rising) Mr. President, if I 
correctly understand my duty as Judge Advocate 
of this court, I am here not only as prosecutor of 
the offender but also to see that justice be done to 
him. 

Morgan. That is true ! The position of Judge 
Advocate in a military court is more akin to that of 
the judge in a civil action than merely that of the 
public prosecutor. You may speak for the prisoner 
if vou think that he is incapable of defending him- 
self. 

Judge Advocate. I shall then review the case 
bringing to the attention of the court the evidence 
both for and a.gainst the accused. After that I be- 
lieve it is customary to allow the defendant op- 
portunity for a final plea. 

Morgan. Right! — Proceed, sir. 

Judge Advocate. Is it the Court's wish that I 
shall read the entire record of the case at this time ? 

Morgan. You may read the specifications of the 
charge against the prisoner and then state your own 
conclusions. 

Judge Advocate. (Reading from a paper which 
the Reporter hands him) The Court then proceeded 



3 o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

to the trial of Lieutenant Philip Nolan, 7th Artil- 
lery Corps, U. S. A.; the accused was arraigned 
upon the following charge and specifications. 
Charge: Treason against the Government of the 
United States. Specification: In that Lieut. 
Philip Nolan, 7th Artillery Corps, did publicly 
make use of the following treasonable words against 
the government of the United States, to wit : " that 
he was tired of the army service", that " he was 
ready to take the first way out of it ". 

Specification 2: In that the said Lieutenant 
Nolan did secretly join with one Aaron Burr in 
treasonable plots against the United States, publicly 
declaring, to wit: that he "would obey any order 
signed by his excellency Aaron Burr." Specifica- 
tion 3: In that the said Lieutenant Nolan did 
therebv break his oath against the United States 
taken by him at Fort Massac, July 16, 1802 in the 
following words : " I, Philip Nolan, do solemnly 
swear that I will bear true faith, and allegiance to 
the United States of America, that I will serve them 
honestly and faithfully against all their enemies 
whomsoever and that I will obey the orders of the 
President of the United States and the orders of the 
officers appointed over me, according to the Rules 
and Articles of War." This at Fort Adams, 
Mississippi, on the 5th day of September, 1807. 

In summing up the case, may I remind the Court 
that these charges rest on the evidence of officers 
who have testified to the acquaintance which the 
accused had with Aaron Burr and on his own state- 
ments to members of his troop and to other officers. 

Reputable witnesses vouch for the statements 
that on three separate occasions the prisoner has 
been heard to say that he was " tired of the service " 
and again that he " would obey any order to march 
anywhere with his excellency Aaron Burr." It 
is known to this court that the court martial at 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 31 

Richmond has failed to convict Mr. Burr of any 
overt act of treason while it must be said it has 
equally failed to convince the public mind of his 
innocence of intention. It is only fair to the ac- 
cused to call attention to the undisciplined adventur- 
ous life led by him before he joined the Army, and 
also to remind you that during the first three years 
after his enlistment, Lieutenant Nolan, in one 
campaign after another, went headlong up the 
grades of service. You will find, if you examine 
his record, that he has been twice cited in the Orders 
of the Day, for deeds of special daring. 

Then two years ago, after Black Snake was 
killed and his tribe driven back, our command 
settled down to routine garrison duty. Here was 
the first dull restraint that Nolan had ever known. 
We may guess how it galled him. Then Aaron 
Burr came ! 

Nolan. (Jumping to his feet) I don't want 
this defense ! — Sentence me — and let me go ! 

Morgan. (Sternly) Silence, sir ! 

(Nolan subsides sulkily) 

Judge Advocate. Aaron Burr, superb of phys- 
ique, brilliant of mind, fascinating of manner, rotten 
of soul. Wherever Aaron Burr has gone, in the most 
distinguished company, he has irresistibly drawn 
to him men and women of every station. What 
wonder that a man who facinates the most cultured 
society should charm and attract this young, half- 
taught boy. You have heard how they met. From 
the first it was steel to the magnet! All the bright 
courage and devotion in the lad's heart were poured 
out at the tempter's feet. Burr went — and Nolan 
passed the lonely winter that his roommate has des- 
cribed to you — hugging his ambitious dreams. At 
last with the fall came Burr once more, no longer 



$2 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

a mere attorney, seeking place — but — a conqueror, 
marching to his triumph ! 

You remember what the distinguished lawyer, 
William Wirt, said of Burr recently at the trial at 
Richmond ; that " pervading the continent from New 
York to New Orleans, he draws into his plan, by 
every allurement which he can contrive, men of 
all ranks and descriptions. To youthful ardor he 
presents danger and glory ; to ambition, rank and 
titles and honors ; to avarice, the mines of Mexico." 

And on the hour when they met for the second 
time Philip Nolan's evil star came and stood over 
him ! 

From that day he began to be a traitor to his 
country. The evidence against him is overwhelm- 
ing. You have weighed it for yourselves. In 
closing, let me tell the prisoner, Mr. President, that 
the motives and feelings of the human heart can 
only be known to the world — his world — by act 
and speech and bearing. It appears from those of 
this prisoner that his speech and bearing if not his 
acts are dishonorable to him and to the service he 
should grace. Only a profound and openly shown 
contrition can tell us now that he regrets his folly. 
(The Judge Advocate takes his seat) 

Morgan. (Sternly to Nolan) Stand up, sir! 
(Nolan trying to hide his embarrassment zvithr 
bravado, lounges to his feet) Prisoner, you have 
heard the charge and the arraignment. At this 
solemn moment have you anything to tell us in ex- 
tenuation of your conduct — to show your loyalty to 
the United States? 

Nolan. (Haughtily after a slight pause) Noth- 
ing, sir ! 

Virginia. (Pain and entreaty in her voice) Oh, 
Philip, say something ! 

Nolan. (Moved by her tone, starts to speak; 
then closes his lips firmly) No! 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 33 

Judge Advocate. (Springing to his feet) Mr. 
President, may I remind the prisoner that while it 
is true his up-bringing has been such that the 
United States was hardly more than a name to him 
— yet he has been fed by the United States for 
the five years he has been in the Army, clothed by 
the United States, housed by the United States. 
The United States cared for him when he was ill 
and the United States stands ready to protect him 
against anv other government. He has sworn on 
his faith as a Christian to be true to the United 
States. It was the United States which gave him 
his uniform and the sword that he wore by his 
side. Alas, my poor Nolan, why was it, think you, 
that Aaron Burr cared a straw more for you than he 
did for the flatboat men that sailed his ark for him 
— except that you had been picked out as one of Her 
own confidential men of honor — by the United 
States' 

Nolan. (Beside himself with anger) Damn 
the United States ! I wish I might never hear of 
the United States, again. (There is a second's 
blank pause — -then every Man in the room rises 
to his feet. The hands of the Officers instinctively 
seek their swords) 

Virginia. (In a voice that is almost a scream) 
Philip ! 

Morgan. Silence ! (She subsides staring at 
Nolan in terror. Morgan speaks to the officers) 
No swords, gentlemen, — He has lost his! (Finally 
he turns back and stares at Nolan ; when he speaks 
his voice is cold, repressed) You forget, sir, that 
some of the officers before you have fought through 
the Revolution. The name of the United .States 
of America is more dear to us than the blood we 
have shed for her sake. (He addresses the members 
of the court) Gentlemen: we will retire to prepare 
sentence on this prisoner. 



34 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

(The Orderly nearest the door up back, swings 
it open and the Members oe the Court file 
through, Col. Morgan preceding them. As the 
Men go out, Spence turns to Virginia.) 

Spence. (Holding door open) Virginia. (Ashe 
indicates that he wishes her to go, she starts to obey, 
looking at Nolan doubtfully) 

Nolan. (Taking a step toward her, appcalingly) 
Virginia ! 

Virginia. (Hesitatingly to Spence) In a 
moment, Uncle. — Trust me ! 

(Spence looks toward Nolan, then toward Vir- 
ginia, turns and goes out. The door is closed, 
off-stage there is bugling, one Orderly goes to 
the door leading to the parade ground, looks out, 
turns and beckons to the other; a second later 
the Marshall follozvs them, and all Three 
go out attracted by zvhat is happening there. 
For a moment or tzvo, the Judge Advocate 
sits conferring with the Reporter, then as the 
bugling grows nearer and more insistent the 
tzvo young Officers follozv the soldiers to the 
left side of the room and stand at the window 
looking out.) 

Nolan. (Going to her eagerly and holding out 
both hands) You believe in me, Virginia? You 
trust me? 

Virginia. (Dully) You cursed your country! 

Nolan. I beg your pardon, Virginia. I forgot 
your presence and my manners. 

Virginia. Not your offense against me. but 
against your country — against the United States ! 

Nolan. The fellow infuriated me so. Feeding 
me up on United States, United States, until I was 
fairly ill. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 35 

Virginia. How could you, how could you? And 
then not one word in self-defense ! You have 
branded yourself a traitor ! 

Nolan. If I could only make you understand ! 
Make them understand ! They live only in the pres- 
ent. Nothing exists for them but United States. 
If they could only know what I know and see in- 
to the future, the wonderful future with Burr at 
the head of a glorious country. Virginia, they don't 
know it, — they can't see that far, but this country 
is going to be torn to bits as if it were a hunted 
animal chased by wolves. With England preying 
on it here and France there and Spain trying to get 
her teeth in. How can we hold out against them? 
We have no Navy and what is our Army, a mere 
handful. Burr has seen all this, he is preparing 
for just this event. He is going to open up a King- 
dom in the south, in Mexico ! Mexico, full of 
beauty and wealth and power, and there we are 
going to build up a country greater and finer than 
is possible in these poor United States ! He has 
given me this wonderful chance to join him. Oh, 
Virginia, don't you understand? (Tenderly) And 
don't you understand why I want to do it? Is it 
because I myself want power? No, dear heart, it 
is because I want to lay all the beautiful things of 
the world at your feet. (Holding out his arms) 
You will go with me, dear? 

Virginia. (Shrinking from him) Oh — Philip, 
how could you ! How could you ! (Turning tozvard 
door) 

Nolan. (A note of alarm in his voice) Vir- 
ginia, you must understand me. 

Virginia. And I thought you a man of honor ! 
(Dashes out of the room, through the doorzvay 
leading to the parade ground) 

Nolan. (Looks after her stupefied with pain) 
Virginia! (The door back opens and the Officers 



36 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

of the Court file into the room and take their 
places. The Judge Advocate and other Court 
Attendants return quietly. The Members of the 
Court all sit except Colonel Morgan, zvho stands 
in his place zuaiting for silence. There is a sense 
of some tiling impending that impresses every one 
but Nolan. Nolan, seeing the others sit, seats 
himself) 

Morgan. {With suprcsscd anger) Stand up, sir ! 
(Nolan rises with insolent assurance) Prisoner, 
hear the sentence of the Court — The Court decides, 
subject to the approval of the President, that you 
never hear the name of the United States again. 

{There is a slight pause, then Nolan laughs aloud, 
a ringing peal but suddenly as he looks into 
the faces of the men around him, his laughter 
breaks and dies away. He loses his swagger — 
something like fear creeps into his expression. 
Outside the sound of confusion increases, there 
is nearer bugling, the shouting of Men. The 
Officers turn their heads and listen. Suddenly 
the door ap Left is flung open and Brock, the 
scout, stands there. He is a large, powerful 
man, dressed in rough frontier garb. He is 
covered with dust and much exhausted.) 

The Officers. Brock ! — Brock ! — The Indians ! 
(Brock salutes the Colonel and stands waiting) 

Morgan. Well, Brock? 

Brock. The Indians are on the war path, sir. 
Morgan. What do you know ? 
Brock. Last night, I came together with the 
other scouts, on the trail, — as planned. 
Morgan. Where? 

Brock. In the forest near Speer's Landing, Sir ! 
Morgan. Yes, well? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 37 

Brock. All night we lay in the brush and list- 
ened. 

Morgan. To what? 

Brock. A queer noise — a little steady flapping 
of the leaves. 

Morgan. Indians ? 

Brock. Yes, sir ! — All night they were slipping 
past us, sir ! 

Morgan. You're sure? 

Brock. (Nodding affirmatively) Once in a 
while there'd be the sound of a little branch flung 
back — but mostly only the leaves a flappin' 

Morgan. How long did it last? 

Brock. All night they crept around us — on both 
sides of us. 

Morgan. Did you see them? 

Brock. Nor hair nor hide, sir — just the creep- 
ing noise, sir — creeping — creeping ! 

Morgan. How many would you say? 

Brock. Thousands — one every ten yards, sir, 
not just one line — but twenty lines- — all through the 
forest, worming their way forward. Thousands. 

Morgan. Where will they meet? 

Brock. Their regular place at the river, sir — 
they'll join the Cherokees there. 

Morgan. When will they attack? 

Brock. To-morrow, sunrise — if we don't head 
them off. 

Morgan. Can we do that? 

Brock. I think so, — if we ride fast, sir! 

Morgan. (To an Orderly) My compliments 
to Major Dickinson and tell him to order the 
cavalry out,' — the 7th Artillery will go with them. 
(The Orderly salutes and goes, he turns to Brock) 
You will go with them ! Sorry not to let you rest, 
Brock, but you're the only man that knows that 
trail. 



38 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Brock. I'll manage, sir ! (He salutes and goes 
out through the door to the parade ground) 

Morgan. (To an orderly) Follow him! See 
he gets food! (The orderly salutes and goes out) 
(From now on to the end of the scene there is a, 
constantly increasing noise outside of the 
gathering forces of the post. The scattered 
bugling increases in volume and draws nearer, 
there is sharp soldierly calling back and forth, 
occasionally the sound of galloping horses. 
Nolan, lifted from his self-contemplation by 
the scout's talk, is like a different man — an alert 
eagerness comes into his bearing — he is roused, 
soldierly.) 

(Morgan turning to the Marshall) Mr. Mar- 
shall, see that no one mentions the name of our 
country to the prisoner. (The door up Left opens 
and an Orderly enters and salutes) Well? 

Orderly. Major Scott's respects and who will 
command Lieutenant Nolan's battery, sir? 

Morgan. Lieutenant Dent. Send a corporal's 
guard for this prisoner. 

(The Orderly salutes and goes out.) 

Nolan. (Advancing a pace, on fire with eager- 
ness) Colonel Morgan, let me go! I know that 
trail ! Let me go with the troops, sir. 

Morgan. (Eyeing him steadily) You have lost 
your title to that honor, (Turns to the Marshall) 
Mr. Marshall, take the prisoner to Orleans in an 
armed boat and deliver him to the naval commander 
there. (Nolan starts. The Marshall salutes) 
Mr. Marshall, make my respects to Lieutenant 
Mitchell at Orleans, and request him to order that 
no one shall mention the name of our country to 
the prisoner while he is on board ship. You will 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 39 

receive your written orders from the officer on duty 
here this evening. The court is adjourned without 
day. (Outside the noise of the assembling cavalry 
has reached its height) Mr. Marshall, before the 
prisoner leaves the post, see to it that his sword is 
broken and all insignia of the Government is re- 
moved from his uniform. (The Judge Advocate 
hands Nolan's sword, which has been lying on the 
table, to an Orderly who hands it to the Marshall) 

Nolan. (Shrinking in dismay) Sir! — spare my 
home people this ! 

Morgan. You have neither home — nor people ! 
From this day forth you are a man without a 
country. (He nods to the Marshall who goes up 
to Nolan and lays a hand on his arm. A Cor- 
poral's Guard enters and stands at the open door, 
left, to accompany the prisoner — Nolan throws up 
his head zvith an attempt at his usual bravado — but 
his look is unsteady) 

(Out of doors the Troops are moving off in response 
to the bugle calls.) 

Curtain 



ao THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 



t: 



fi&- 



: ;: • - * 



-? 






■,'.-- 



• 



■■ ^ * 









ill. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 41 



ACT II 

Scene: On board the frigate " Warren " anchored 
in the Bay of Naples. The scene represents a 
portion of the quarter-deck overlooking the 
gun deck below. The heavy deck rail of solid 
timber breast high, runs along the back of the 
Stage; beyond that nothing can be seen but the 
soft dull blue of sea and sky. On the right 
side of the stage the deck continues out of 
sight of the audience, except for a cabin door 
dozvn right. 

Down the left side of the stage, and at right 
angles to the rear rail, runs a lighter rail fenc- 
ing the edge of the quarter-deck where it over- 
looks the gun deck. Halfway dozvn the stage 
this rail turns at right angles to itself and runs 
off-stage out left, presumably leading dozvn the 
steps to the deck belozv. 

From the heavy deck rail at the back of the 
stage, great cables forming the rigging of the 
vessel extend up and out of sight. Orderly 
coils of rope hang to the rail and there are a 
few stools or rough chairs here and there. 

Occasionally from the distance come the 
songs of the Italian boatmen. The hour is 
sunset. The time is tzvo years later. 

The curtain rises upon a scene of activity 
characteristic of a sailing vessel. 

Sailors and marines are going to and fro, 
engaged in various forms of zvork; some in 
the rigging, some mending sails, some scrub- 
bing up the deck zvith mops made of a mass of 
frayed rope knotted at one end. The boat- 
szvain's mate is overseeing the zvork. A sentinel 



42 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

with a gun stands in front of a cabin door 
down right. 

Singing Joe. {As curtain rises, singing) 
" Call all hands to man the capstan, 
See the cable run down clear ; 
Heave away, and with a will, boys, 
For dear America we'll steer." 

{Sonic of the men stop their work, and look fear- 
fully tozuards the guarded door, and then to- 
wards the boatszvain's mate, zvho is busy direct- 
ing some work off left. Joe intent upon his 
work, goes on, his voice swelling in volume as he 
continues.) 

14 And we'll sing in joyful chorus 
In the watches of the night ; 
And we'll sight the shores of America " 

2nd Sailor. {Running to foot of mast and call- 
ing up, wamingly) Avast there, Joe! 

Joe. {Swelling into crescendo, hearing only his 
own voice) 

" When the gray dawn brings the light. 
Rolling home, rolling home, 
Rolling home across the sea ; 
Rolling home to dear old America. 

Boatswain's Mate. {Rushing forward, bran- 
dishing a cat-o' -nine-tails, with a threatening roar) 
Avast there, you son of a dog fish ! 

{Men stop work and listen to what folloivs) 

Joe. {Unconscious of all about him) 

" Rolling home, dear land, to thee." 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 43 

Boatswain's Mate. Come down out of there, 
or by the nine lives of a cat I'll smash your hulk to 
bits! 

Joe. {Looking down, in surprise) You want 
me, sir? 

Boatswain's Mate. You come down here, — 
(Joe scrambles down) and you'll find out whether 
I want you or not ! 

Joe. {Dropping to the deck, and limping for- 
ward) Aye, aye, sir. 

Boatswain's Mate. You limping lubber ! You 
half-licked cub of a tar barrel ! {Laying cat-o'-nine 
tails about Joe's legs, Joe limping to dodge the 
blows) What do you mean by singing that song? 

Joe. Singing? Was I singing, sir? 

Boatswain's Mate. " Was I singing ! " Was 
ye breathing, sir? 

Joe. I cry yer pardon, mate, I didn't know I was 
singing, — but I reckons I sings as I breathe, sir — 
without a-knowing it, sir. 

Boatswain's Mate. Well, you'll put a nipper on 
yer hawk-bill after this, or ye'll stop yer breathing, 
— as well as yer singing. 

Joe. An' I can't sing no more, mate ? I'd sooner 
give up me grog than stop singing. 

Boatswain's Mate. You'll give up yer grog. 
Hand it over. 

Joe. {Passing out his flask) An' I can sing 
all I want, sir? 

Boatswain's Mate. {Taking flask) You knows 
the orders about that there prisoner in there. {In- 
dicating guarded room) You know as well as I do 
that he's not to hear a word about America, or home. 

Joe. Aye, aye, sir but I — {The truth, dawning 
upon him) Was I singing about Amer — ? / was! 

Boatswain's Mate. An' if ye do it again, ye'll 
be put in irons. {Starts off l. ; turns again threat- 
eningly) And you owe thanks to my good nature 



44 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

that you are not reported to the officer of the 
deck. 

Joe. (Dubiously) Aye, aye, sir. (The Boat- 
swain's Mate goes off l. shaking the flask close 
to his car, then starting to unscrew it. Joe looking 
tozvards others, ruefully) He's taken the spirits out 
o' me. 

2nd Sailor. (Laughing) Wat kind o' spirits, 
lad? (The others laugh — Joe still rueful) 

3rd Sailor. Doan ye mind, Joe, more'll come 
from the same old keg, an' ye can have a pull at 
mine. (Offering flask) 

Joe. No, thank ye, mate. 

3rd Sailor. But ye'll have to put a muzzle on 
that thare musical foghorn o' your'n. 

2nd Sailor. That's what 1 objects to — the 
muzzle we all got to put on our mugs to see that 
they don't slip the cable when that thare " Plain 
Buttons " is 'round. It's not a word about — 
(Sotto-voce) America. It's not a word about — 
(Sotto-voce) home. It's not a word about yer own 
family. Shiver my timbers, what is a man to talk 
about? Must we be dumb while /z^V aboard? 

3rd Sailor. Who is he, / asks ? An' what's I13 
done? W T e don't know no more about him to-day 
than two years ago, when he wuz brought aboard 
at Orleans and we wuz told to clap a hatch on our 
scuppers — ask no questions — and sheer off any 
questions he might heave to. 

2nd Sailor. It'd make any feller grumpy to have 
to keep such a hawser on his beak ! 

3rd Sailor. (Confidentially) My opinion is 
he's done some nasty deed, and he's goin' to be 
passed out to the cannibals o' the Wind'ard Islands 
as a mess o' (Sotto-voce) American stew. 

(All save Joe roar in laughter at this joke) 
Joe. (Turning on them, in indignation) Avast, 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 45 

there, you croakers ! How many o' you as haven't 
other men's blood on yer claws ! I doan care what's 
he's done ! He's a gentleman, and the officers 
treats him like a gentleman, — and who are you that 
you should ask questions? Belay your jawtackle. 

{The others laugh goodnature dly.) 

2nd Sailor. Singin' Joe's changing his name to 
Fightin' Joe. Hurrah for Joe ! Darken my 
blinkers, but ye're a cocky little rooster. 

Joe. Who took care o' me, and nussed me like 
a mother when that blood-licking Turk nigh shivered 
this old pin o' mine? {Slapping his left leg) Who 
kept that surgeon, who's no more'n a butcher, from 
sawin' it off. It wuz him. {Pointing to door, which 
sentinel guards) He's got the heart of a woman, 
an' the soul of a Nelson, and some day ye'll find 
it out ! This old hulk ain't worth much, but such as 
it is, it's his without the askin' ! I'll fight for him 
any day, — an' I'll fight the whole white-livered crew 
o' ye, if ye say anythin' more again him. 

3RD Sailor. {Laughing) Luff a starboard thare, 
mate. I didn't mean no offence. 

2nd Sailor. Ease ofT to wind'ard. He's all 
right, but we likes to be free to talk o' home . 

Joe. Well, ef hit's bad fer you, what do you think 
it is fer him? {He looks off right — sees some one 
coming and starts out left) Hey, use yer blinkers! 

3RD Sailor. An' you better use them little 
flappers o' your'n. {Indicating his ears) Or you'll 
know the affectionate touch o' th' cat-o'-nine-tails, 

{Enter hastily from the right, Lieut. Morris; as 
he comes along the deck he calls to a man out 
of sight in the rigging above.) 

Morris. Avast there, lookout ! 



46 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Voice. (From above) Aye, aye, sir! 
Morris. Do you hear anything? 
Voice. (From above) All quiet, sir! 

(The bugle signal for mess comes from off-stage 
and the other two men follow Joe off down the 
companion ladder out left.) 

2ND Silor. (As he goes) Hey, grog and grub, 
ahoy ! 

3rd Sailor. Heave to, my mates. 

(From off in the distance comes the boatman's so::j. 
It dominates all other sounds for a moment 
then grows fainter.) 

Morris. (To the lookout) Listen — ! No sound 
of cannon in the distance? 

Voice. (From above— after a pause) Not a 
sound, sir. 

(Lieut. Danforth enters along the deck from the 

right) 

Danforth. Sir, captain's compliments and what's 
wrong? He saw you leave the table, sir. 

Morris. Come here, lad ! — Listen ! There, that ! 
What's that? 

Danforth. The singing, sir? 

Morris. (Impatiently) No! — =Guns! — Way off ! 
— (The song ends) Now, listen! 

Danforth. I hear nothing, sir! 

(Lieut. Truxton strolls on from the left.) 

Morris. Perhaps I imagine it ! 

Danforth. Looking for anything special, sir? 

Morris. I am, Jack ! I'm looking for that pirate 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 47 

craft that fired on the Nautilus the other night and 
got away. 

Danforth. Gad, I wish we'^ meet her ! — I'm 
just spoiling for a real fight, sir! 

Morris. If she's the craft I think she is, you'll 
get all you want ! My compliments to the Captain, 
and tell him what I say — and that I think we should 
be ready to put to sea. 

Danforth. Yes, sir! (Starts out right, then 
turns back to say) But the men that went ashore, 
sir — you wouldn't leave them? 

Morris. Time they were back. Who went? 

Danforth. Lieut. Phillips and five men. 

(Morris nods and Danforth departs on his er- 
rand.) 

Truxton. (Turning in Jiis stroll to face Morris) 
W T hat are you filling that child's mind with tales of 
pirate ships for, Morris ? He won't sleep to-night ! 

Morris. I thought I heard cannon. 

Truxton. Isn't that like you? — Here's the 
whole heavenly Bay of Naples athrob with Italian 
music, and the sunset — and yon hear cannon. 

Morris. It's my business to hear cannon. 

Truxton. Yes — -if there are cannon — but — (He 
shrugs, — goes up to Morris and takes him by the 
arm) Come over here and listen to this fisherboy 
singing his heart out ! Come, be romantic with me ! 

Morris. I'm officer of the day and have no time 
to be romantic. Where's Nolan? 

Truxton. Haven't seen him since morning. 
Overheard him asking the captain if he might go 
ashore with Phillips. 

Morris. He was refused. 

Truxton. (Indicating the stateroom up right) 
He's there then. 

Morris. (In a guarded tone — to the sentinel) 
Mr. Nolan in his cabin, sentinel? 



4 8 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Sentinel. Yes, sir. 

Morris. Poor devil, what a dog's life. 

Truxton. I don't think he finds it so. He acts 
as if he were leading- the life of a lord. 

Morris. That's the pathos of it. He uses brag- 
gadocio to cover his real feelings. Have you ever 
caught him alone, unaware of your approach? 

Truxton. No, — I don't think I have. 

Morris. I did — once — about five months ago. 
1 shall never forget it. He wore the saddest look 1 
have ever seen on any human face. . 

Sentinel. (Warningly) Gentlemen! 

(The door of Nolan's room slowly opens and 
Nolan, pale and dejected slowly steps forth. 
His bearing is that of a man overburdened with 
sorrow and remorse. The two officers turn. 
Nolan, seeing them, instantly straightens up 
and assumes an air of gaiety and nonchalance. 
He is dressed in a regulation army uniform, 
as in Act I, with army buttons replaced by 
plain ones which explains the name " Plain 
Buttons" given him by the crew.) 

Truxton and Morris. Good-evening, Mr. 
xMolan. 

Nolan. (Saluting) Good-evening, gentlemen. 

Morris. This is too fine a day for you to shut 
yourself up within the four walls of a cabin. 

Nolan. (Smiling gravely) Work before 
pleasure, gentlemen. No man in the world lives 
so methodical a life as I. I have my reading. I 
never before had enough time to read. Then I keep 
up my note-books, and scrap books to show to the 
fellows of the garrison when I get — (With brave 
attempt at a smile of confidence) home. (Pause. 
With nonchalance) I — er — suppose we'll be turn- 
ing towards home when we leave this port? (His 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 49 

face cannot conceal the eager and pleading note in 
tli is question) 

Truxton. {Embarrassed ; then also trying to be 
off-hand) Er — no-o. I believe we go on a long 
cruise up the Indian Ocean from here. 

Nolan. {The eager light dying out of his eyes) 
Oh. (Pause, then ivtth forced gaiety) That's 
splendid ! I've always wanted to go up there. What 
a lucky dog I am to get this opportunity to see the 
world ! How the fellows at the garrison will envy 
me when I get back and tell them all about my ad- 
ventures. Travelling gives a man such a broad out- 
look on life ; don't you think so ? 

(Sailors singing off-stage.) 

Away — haul away 

O haul away together 

Away — haul away 

O haul away, Ho ! 

Truxton. (Pityingly) Yes, I believe it does. 

Morris. (Mechanically) Yes, oh, yes, indeed. 
(Pointing out right) Er, isn't that a fine harbor? 
a sweep of his hand toward a view out right) the 
mountains ; the green fields ; and the town lying there 
below with its little houses tucked away, and none 
of the squalor. One takes away only delightful 
memories. 

Truxton. You're the chap for me, Nolan ! I've 
been wanting some one to thrill with me over this 
romantic scene — and Morris, here, is about as mov- 
able as the Rock of Gibraltar. 

Danforth. (Entering alertly from up right and 
coming down to Morris) Here come our men, 
sir! 

Voice. (Off-stage) The Warren, ahoy! 

Another Voice. (Off-stage) All hands — ahoy. 
(Singing stops) Stand by the gig, men. 



50 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Sailors. (Running across the deck from right 
to left) Aye, aye, sir. 

Nolan. (Eagerly) Do you think, sir, they've 
got mail — or papers from home ? 

Morris. I — er — think, — it doubtful, Nolan. Few 
boats come here, you know. 

Nolan. But that English sloop, she might have 
some. 

(Enter Captain Shaw from the right.) 

Shaw. That Phillips back? 

Morris. Yes, sir. 

Truxton. (To Nolan) Phillips said he'd 
ask for any books or papers they might have to 
lend. 

Nolan. Ah, that's good of him. I'll go see what 
he has. (Bows to the Captain and the others and 
goes dozen companion-ladder to the left) 

Truxton. Me, too ! (Follows Nolan out) 

Shaw. Danforth ! 

Danforth. Yes, sir. 

Shaw. Go see that that reading matter is looked 
over before it is given to Mr. Nolan. 

Danforth. (Starting) Yes, sir. 

Shaw. If there are London papers he may 
have them after all allusions to America are cut 
out. 

Danforth. Yes, sir. 

Shaw. See that no American papers fall into 
his hands. Better destroy them after you men have 
seen them. 

Danforth. Yes, sir. (Salutes and goes out 
down the companion ladder) 

Shaw. (Turning to Morris) You say you 
heard cannon? 

Morris. Yes, sir, twice — very distant — three 
cannon shots in close succession 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 51 

Shaw. Curious! — Three? 

Morris. Measured as though it were a signal ! 
The second time a little louder. 

Shaw. Well, make ready! Order a sharp look- 
out above. (Starts out up right) 

Morris. One moment, Captain Shaw. — What 
are the instructions regarding Nolan in case of 
battle ? 

Shaw. I don't think the letter of instruction 
mentions such a contingency. I've got it here. 
(Begins to search through papers. He takes papers 
from vest pocket) I got it out this morning when 
he asked for shore leave. 

Morris. There ought to be something in it to 
guide us. 

Shaw. (Selecting a paper) Here it is! Ever 
read it? 

Morris. No, sir. 

Shaw. A curious document! — Listen! (Read- 
ing) 

" Washington, D. C. — Sir : You will receive from 
Lieut. Neale the person of Philip Nolan, late a 
lieutenant in the United States Army. This person, 
on his trial by court martial, expressed, with an 
oath, the wish that he might never hear of the 
United States again. The Court sentenced him to 
have his wish fulfilled. For the present the execu- 
tion of the order is intrusted by the President to 
this Department. You will take the prisoner on 
board your ship, and keep him there with such pre- 
cautions as shall prevent his escape. You will 
provide him with such quarters, rations, and cloth- 
ing as would be proper for an officer of his late rank, 
if he were a passenger on your vessel on the business 
of his Government. The gentlemen on board will 
make any arrangement agreeable to themselves re- 
garding his society. He is to be exposed to no in- 
dignity of any kind, nor is he ever unnecessarily to 



52 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

be reminded that he is a prisoner. But, under no 
circumstances, is he ever to hear of his country, 
or to see any information regarding it ; and you will 
especially caution all the officers under your com- 
mand to take care that, in the various indulgences 
which may by granted, this rule, in which his pun- 
ishment is involved, shall not be broken. It is the 
intention of the Government that he shall never 
again see the country which he has disowned. Be- 
fore the end of your cruise you will receive orders 
which will give effect to this intention. Respect- 
fully vours, E. Southard, for the Secretary of the 
Navy/' 

Morris. By Jove, that's a cruel sentence, sir! 

Shaw. He cursed his country! — He ought to 
have been hanged ! 

Morris. I'd rather be hanged than live his 
sentence. 

Shaw. It doesn't say what to do with him in 
case of a fight. 

Morris. No — but — if it isn't his country — it 
isn't his fight ! 

Shaw. No ! — He'd best stay in his cabin. 

Phillips. {Enters from the left tip the compan- 
ion ladder bearing books and papers triumphantly. 
Truxton follows — trying to zvrench them from him 
as they walk) Papers! — Papers! What am I 
offered. (He sees Capt. Shaw and salutes) 

Truxton. (Pouncing on them) Your life if 
you give them up instantly. 

Phillips. (Passing him the American news- 
paper) I gave Danforth the London Times for 
Nolan but here is the New York Advertiser, only 
seven months old. 

Truxton. (Offering the paper to Shaw) W T ill 
you have it, sir? 

Shaw. Not just now, thank you. (To Phillips) 
Are we at war with anybody? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 53 

Phillips. Only Indian skirmishes going on from 
time to time. 

(Truxton goes out down left reading the paper.) 

Morris. And who's our next President? 

Shaw. Yes! — Did Jefferson run again? 

Phillips. No, he did as Mr. Washington did, 
refused a third term, and has retired to his country 
estate at Monticello. 

Shaw. Who is to be his successor, Mr. Phil- 
lips? 

Phillips. The public sentiment seemed to favor 
Mr. Madison. 

Shaw. Really ! well, well ! Have you any other 
news ? 

Phillips. I have a message to you from Captain 
Tingey of the Vixen. 

Shaw. Yes? — {Looks out across the bay) Why, 
— where is the Vixen? — Changed her anchor- 
age? 

Phillips. Gone, sir? Started home! 

Shaw. Alone? — After that attack on the Nauti- 
lus ? Dangerous work for so small a boat ! 

Phillips. She's fast though ! Captain Tingey 
left word with the consul who gave it to me — He 
presented his compliments and said that if he should 
meet the corsair and she should prove twice his 
boat's size, — he'd give us a look-in, too. 

Shaw. We won't be near enough to do much. 

Phillips. He asked the consul to have you in- 
formed that if he should sight the pirate ship, the 
Vixen would turn and run full sail in this direction 
leading the corsair nearer us and giving us a signal 
in the meantime. 

Shaw. Plucky little Vixen! — What signal? 

Phillips. Three guns! (Morris and Shaw 
look at each other) The carronades touched off 



54 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

one after the other, — three guns in close succession 
and then three — always three — pause — three! — We 
can't mistake it. 

Morris. Didn't I say it was a signal ? 

Phillips. What? — You've heard ? 

Morris. Three guns ! 

Phillips. When? 

Morris. A few moments ago ! — Very distant. 

Shaw. The Vixen has met the corsair! (To 
Morris) Get the gunners at their posts! 

(From the distance but now distinctly audible comes 
the boom of a cannon. The men stand sile:: 4 : 
looking at each other. There follows a second 
boom.) 

Morris. Two ! (Pause — then third shot is 
heard) Three. 

Phillips. It's the Vixen. 

Morris. And nearer ! 

Shaw. (Calling up to the lookout in the rigging) 
Avast there, my man ! Look out to sea ! — Can 
you see the Vixen? 

Voice. (From above) Nothing to be seen out 
there, sir — but the fog rolling in ! 

(Again there comes the distant roll of cannon.) 

Shaw. One — (Pause) Two! (Pause) Three! 

Truxton. (As he enters down left) Listen to 
this, Danforth. 

Shaw. Gentlemen, you are next to me in com- 
mand, I want a word with you before the others are 
told of this. 

Morris. Yes, sir ! Will you come to my cabin. — 
We'll be undisturbed there. 

(They go out right talking earnestly as Truxton 
and Danforth enter left.) 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 55 

Truxton. {Reading) " Green Turtle " A fine 
Green Turtle will be dressed and served up at Cole- 
man's Hotel, No. 10 Fair St. on Monday next." 

Danforth. Oh, to be at Coleman's on Monday 
next. 

Truxton. The mere thought makes me happy, 
— and gives me indigestion. Green Turtle ! 

Danp^orth. (Reading the paper over his 
shoulder) Then here's your remedy! (Reads) 
" Mrs. Charity Long's Medical Warehouse, No. 151 
Water St." Don't forget the address. 

Truxton. Three doors west of the Fly Market. 
Medicines composed of Roots and Herbs, which 
have not failed one case in twenty — " Alas, Jack, 
if I should be the 20th." 

Danforth. Oh, come, Trux, — turn over and 
let's get the real news. 

Truxton. (Turning the sheet) Well, here — 
(Reads) " Swift-sure Mail Stage. A new line 
from New York to Philadelphia. Trip made in 
seventeen hours." That's what I call speed. 

Danforth. I don't see how it can be done. 

Truxton. That's the march of civilization. 

Danforth. (Looking out left dozun the compan- 
ion ladder to the deck below) Here's Nolan — quick, 
put that paper away ! 

Truxton. (Stuffing the paper inside his coat) 
Quick, give me something else — a book. 

Danforth. (Taking one from his pocket and 
tossing it to him) Be reading that. 

Truxton. Is it all right — for him, too? 

Danforth. So Phillips said ! — All about magic 
and border chivalry a thousand years ago 

Truxton. (Plunging headlong into the book 
wherever it happens to open, reads) 

" They raised brave Musgrave from the field, 
And laid him on his bloody shield ; 



$6 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

On levelled lances — four and four ; 
By turns, the noble burden bore. 

Danforth. (In a cautious voice) Trux! 

Truxton. Eh? 

Danforth. Get him to read ! — It pleases him no 
end — and it'll keep him from wanting the papers 
so! 

Truxton. All right! — (Sees that Nolan is 
coming up the companion ladder and resumes his 
reading as Nolan enters. Danforth smiles up at 
him and motions him to a seat. Nolan thanks him 
with a look and sits. Truxton does not look up but 
reads on as though intensely absorbed by the story) 

Before, at times, upon the gale, 
Was heard the Minstrel's plaintive wail ; 
Behind, four priests, in sable stole, 
Sung requiem for the warrior's soul : 
Around, the horsemen slowly rode ; 
With trailing pikes the spearsmen trod ; 
And thus the gallant knight they bore, 
Through Liddesdale, to Leven's shore ; 
Thence to Holme Coltrame's lofty nave ; 
And laid him in his father's grave." 

(Truxton pauses.) 

Danforth. Gad, hasn't that got a swing to it. 
Or would have if it were better read. Here, give it 
up, Trux. — (Takes the book from him and passes 
it over to Nolan) Here, Nolan, you're the real 
reader ! 

Nolan. Oh, really, — now I think Mr. Truxton 
was reading extremely well. 

Truxton. Oh, I can't compete with you, Nolan. 
I know my humble place — Do read. 

Nolan. (Much pleased) Well, really, — I'm 
glad to. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 57 

Truxton. Then do! — We're just browsing 
through. 

Danforth. It's by that new chap — what's his 
name— Walter Scott. Phillips said the English- 
man who lent it told him it would open of itself 
to all the finest passages so we're just picking them 
out in that way. 

Nolan. I like to browse through a book — (Be- 
gins reading beautifully) 

" The harp's wild notes, though hushed with the 
song 
The mimic march of death prolong; 
Now seems it far, and now a'near, 
Now meets, and now eludes the ear ; 

Now seems some mountain side to sweep, 
Now faintly dies in valley deep ; 
Seems now as if the Minstrel's wail, 
Now the sad requiem, loads the gale; 
Last o'er the warrior's closing grave 
Rung the full choir the choral stave. 

After due pause, they bade him tell, 
Why he, who touched the harp so well, 
Should thus, with ill-rewarded toil, 
Wander a poor and thankless soil, 
When the more generous southern land 
Would well requite his skillful hand. 

The Aged Harper, howsoe'er 
His only friend, his harp, was dear, 
Liked not to hear it ranked so high 
Above his flowing poesy; 

Less liked he still, that scornful jeer 
Misprized the land he loved so dear ; 

(Truxton and Danforth exchange startled 
glances. Nolan goes on.) 



58 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

High was the sound, as thus again 

The Bard resumed his minstrel strain." 

This is fine, isn't it? 

(Continuing with a smile of pleasure and anticipa- 
tion.) 

Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, 
Who never to himself hath said — 
This is my own, my native land ! " 

■ 

(He hesitates, shifts uncomfortably, and then 
plunges on.) 

" Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned, 
As home his footsteps he hath turned 
From wandering on a foreign strand ? " 

(He chokes, hesitates. The men start, look at each 
other in desperation. Nolan staggers on, his 
voice dull with suffering — the breaks coming 
more frequently and with increasing anguish) 

" If such there breathes, go — mark him well — 
For him no minstrel raptures swell, 
High though his titles, proud his name, 
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim, 
Despite these titles, power and pelf, 
The wretch, concentered all in self — living — shall 
die." 

(Nolan jumps up with a choking sob, swings the 
book into the sea, and dashes blindly, to his 
cabin door. The men look after him in sym- 
pathy and remorse. As he gets to his door 
the sound of cannon booming nearer arrests 
them all. Shaw followed by Morris and 
Phillips reenter from up right.) 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 59 

Shaw. Gentlemen, that is a call for help from 
the Vixen. 

Danforth. Will we fight, sir? 

Shaw. I hope we will. — Mr. Truxton, call the 
Bos'n. 

Truxton. Yes, sir. (Goes quickly out down 
left) 

(Nolan stands listening, his hand on the knob of 

his door.) 

Shaw. Phillips, you will take charge of the gun 
deck below. As senior to the others I give you the 
post of honor, sir. 

Phillips. (Saluting) I thank you, sir! (He 
exits down left) 

Shaw. Morris, you will look after the quarter 
deck. 

Morris. (Saluting) Yes, sir. (He goes out 
right) 

Shaw. (Turns to Danforth) Mr. Dan- 
forth, you will assist Mr. Morris. 

Danforth. (Saluting) Yes, sir ! (He goes out 
right) 

Nolan. (Approaching the captain with hesita- 
tion) Is there nothing I can do, sir? I should 
like to help. 

Shaw. Thank you, Mr. Nolan, but this is our 
job. 

Boatswain. (Coming on hurriedly at u. l. — 
saluting the Captain. Captain turns to him) 
Aye, aye, sir. 

Shaw. Bos'n, pipe all hands to quarters. 

Boatswain. Aye, aye, sir. (Blozvs a shrill 
whistle. Going off l.) All hands, ahoy! (Off 
stage the cry " Alt hands, ahoy " is carried and re- 
peated, histantly there is the sound of other calls 
— all the orderly confusion of the gathering of the 



6o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

ship's forces. Captain Shaw goes to the left 
side where he can command a view of both 
decks and speaks in quick, staccato tones, calling 
off orders, men calling in response) Anchor up, 
ahoy ! — Man the capstan ! Cheerily, my lads. Stand 
by the top-sail yards ! — Man the clew lines ! — Let 
go the bunt line and reef tackles. (He goes out 
left down to the lower deck still calling his orders. 
The boatswain follozvs him) Stand by the lee 
braces ! — Slacken the lee ! Round the weather 
braces. Haul the wind ! Hard a helm ! — Cheerily, 
my lads. We'll get the pirate before morning. 
Prize money and double grcg for you all. 

(Off stage on the deck below there is a cheer, and 
sharp calling back and forth, the voices of com- 
rades setting out on brisk adventure. Above 
on the upper deck, Nolan stands alone, staring 
before him — his face a mask of despair.) 

Nolan. (Savagely) " The wretch — concentered 
all in self — living — shall die " that's it— that's it — 
— " Living, shall die " — " Living shall die " — Oh, 
my God! (He buries his face in his hands) 

Curtain 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 61 



ACT III 



Time : Dawn of the morning following. 
Scene: On board "The Warren", at sea. 

Scene: The same section of the deck of " The 
Warren " but the background is heavy fog. 
Later when the mist clears and the day-light 
grows, the open sea can be seen beyond the boat. 
When the curtain is raised, Nolan stands 
alone leaning on the rail up right and looking 
out to sea. There is dejection in every line 
of his figure. 

Enter Two Sailors from the right wheeling 
on kegs of powder. They get the kegs up- 
stage near the left exit and stop to rest. 

ist Sailor. This is a wild goose chase, I call it. 

2nd Sailor. Might as well be playing blind man's 
buff. 

ist Sailor. The fog's so thick it'd bend a cut- 
lass if ye wuz to try ter slice it. 

2nd Sailor. We'll have trouble enough when the 
air clears, — mark my words. I'll miss my reck'ning 
if we don't have some play with them shootin' irons 
before the day's old. I feel it a-comin'. 

ist Sailor. Aw you knows mor'n th' capting. 

2nd Sailor. I knows I never seen a night o' calm 
like this but it wuz follered by a brush or a storm 
of some kind. 

(Joe enters left with the American flag over his 
arm, he passes across the deck and goes out 
right. ) 



62 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

r. 

Joe. (As he passes the sailors) Stop that proph- 
esying old croaker, and let's take things as they 
comes ! (He sees Nolan, stops as though he would 
speak to him, then goes on out) 

ist Sailor. Well, come along with th' presents 
fer them pirates. 

2nd Sailor. Gimme a lift on this yer box nv 
jewels, an' we'll come back fer tother. (They take 
one keg out leaving the other up left) 

Danforth. (Entering from right and calling 
to lookout in the rigging) Avast there, my man, 
see anything? 

Voice. (From above) No, sir, not yet, but it 
seems to be clearing up a bit. I think there's a little 
wind stirrin'. 

Danforth. Good! Any signs of the Vixen? 

Voice. (From above) No, sir, — no sight nor 
sound of her. 

Danforth. Keep a sharp lookout there aloft — 
we may find ourselves near something when the 
air clears. 

Voice. (From above) Aye, aye, sir. 

(All this time, Nolan has scarcely moved. Now 
Danforth seeing him, goes up and lays a 
kindly hand on his shoulder.) 

Danforth. You've been here all night, Mr. 
Nolan. 

Nolan. (Turning) Have I? (Rousing himself) 
Yes, I believe I have. 

Danforth. You should have had a good night's 
sleep. 

Nolan. (In tone of despair) Sleep! W T ith a 
fight brewing? 

Danforth. But that's our work, sir. There's 
no reason why you should lose your rest. 

Nolan. (Despairingly) Would to God I had 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 63 

the right to lose my rest, as you call it. (His voice 
chokes. The ship's bell rings five) 

Danforth. Avast there, Joe, — up with the 
colors ! 

Joe. (Appearing on the right side of the deck 
with the flag still folded over his arm) Aye, aye, 
sir. Ready, sir! (He disappears. Danforth and 
Nolan stand zvatching as the colors are run up. The 
Bugle sounds and both men salute the flag. From 
noiv on the light increases as the sun rises and the 
mist lifts) 

(Danforth turns and goes out left. Nolan paces 
the stage nervously, his hands in his pockets. 
Joe re-enters from the right, splicing carefully 
two pieces of rope. Intent on his work he 
hums louder and louder, then gradually breaks 
into singing " Home Szveet Home " . Nolan 
walks more rapidly and nervously, then finally 
can stand it no longer and goes up to Joe.) 

Nolan. For God's sake, Joe, stop that singing? 

Joe. (Stopping in surprise) Singin'? Was I 
singin' ? 

Nolan. Yes. I — I like it, too, Joe, but not that 
song, — please. 

Joe. What song was it, sir? (Thinking) Why 
it was only " Home, Sweet — " (Realizing) Oh, 
I'm sorry, sir. 

(Nolan raises a hand in remonstrance and tries to 
assume a sprightly air.) 

Nolan. You see it's this fog — it — makes me 
homesick. 

Joe. Sho, sir — does it now? — Well 'twas a poor 
song, sir, — and a poor thing to be singin' erbout ! — 
— A home — what's a home I axes ye? — I had one 
av 'em till ten and then I ran away from it ! 

Nolan. (Wistfully) And have you no home 
now, Joe? 



64 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Joe. I've th' sea — she's my home ! and fine and 
spacious she is, too. I likes to think of her that 
way — as my mansion, sir. My kitchen's in the At- 
lantic; my cellar at the Cape of Good Hope; my 
pador in the Pacific, my spare room in the North 
Sea — they're alius cold, sir — and my easy chair 
by the stove where I puts up my feet and smokes 
my pipe is over there in the Mediterranean with 
old Vesuve, she's th' stove! {With great scorn) 
Home! — What does a man want with a home, sir? 

Nolan. {Amused and lifted out of his depression 
in spite of himself) You're a great little fellow, Joe. 

Voice. {From above) Sail, ho ! 

{The cry. is caught up and carried through the ship. 
Joe and Nolan look up, and then look out to 
sea, and finally locate the approaching ship to 
the left.)' 

Sliaw. {Entering hastily from right) Where 
away ? 

(Cole follozvs him in.) 

Voice. {From above) Off the starboard bow, 
sir. two points. 

Shaw. {To Lieutenant Cole) Mr. Cole, take 
the glass and go aloft. {Extending glasses) See if 
you can make out what she is. 

Cole. Yes, sir. {Springs into rigging, and runs 
aloft) 

Shaw. Bos'n! 

Boatswain. {Coming from left) Aye, aye, sir. 

Shaw. All hands, ahoy! 

Boatswain. {Blozvs his zvhistle) All hands, 
ahoy ! {During the next few speeches the Boat- 
swain's cry is taken up and carried throughout the 
ship ) 

Shaw. {Calling to Cole) Ahoy there, Mr. 
Cole ! What news ? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 65 

Cole. (In rigging) A powerful ship, sir, — 
full mounted — square of sail. 

Shaw. What flag? 

Cole. She flies no colors. 

Shaw. It's the pirate, or I miss my guess. How 
does she head? 

Cole. This way, sir. She seems to have caught 
the wind. The fog is lifting off the starboard 
quarter. 

(There is a gathering murmur of inch's voices as 
the crew collect in a great crozvd. Captain 
Shaw goes to the edge of the railing where 
this deck overlooks the lower one and addresses 
them.) 

Shaw. My men, we have work ahead, — hard 
work — and bloody work. (A "murmur of excite- 
ment runs through the crozvd) W r e must clear the 
seas of these dogs who are feeding on our merchant 
ships. (Murmurs of "Aye, aye, sir" and "Kill 
the dogs!" etc., from the men) I cannot do it 
alone. My officers cannot do it alone. You can- 
not do it alone. But together we can do it — and 
we will do it! (Cheers from the men) It is the 
duty of each and every man of you to do all in his 
power for his country. Can I count on you? 
(Shouts of " Aye, aye, sir. Close with her. Put 
us aboard! ") We shall close with her, and I will 
put you aboard — all in good time. (Cheers) Now 
beat to quarters ! To quarters ! (He goes quickly 
off right) 

(A Drum beats the call. Sailors and Officers 
cross the deck in both directions, getting to 
their posts. The morning light grozvs brighter) 

Master Gunner. (Off-stage, on the deck be- 
low) Boys, the ammunition. 

Boatswain. (Blozving whistle) Make ready 
the decks. 



66 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

(A group of Sailors rush across the deck with 
buckets of sand.) 

Sailor. Wet 'em first, sir? 

Boatswain. The fog's done that — Sand them. — 
(Pointing to the keg of powder) What's that doing 
here? 

Sailor. I don't know, sir ! 

Nolan. (To Boatswain) It's powder for the 
gun deck. «The man that's handling it is coming 
back. 

Boatswain. (To Sailor) See that it isn't left 
here. 'Nough to blow the quarter deck to Kingdom 
come. 

Sailor. Aye, aye, sir. 
(They throw sand and then go down left to the gun 
deck. The keg is still left.) 

Shaw. (Entering from right, crosses to railing 

left, overlooking gun deck and calls down) All 

ready, Phillips? 

Phillips. (Off-stage from belozv) All ready, 

sir ! 

(Nolan has been walking back and forth watching 
jealously as each man went to his task — all 
pretense of content is cast aside — he is openly 
desperate in his desire to have part in the de- 
fense of the vessel. He goes now and stands 
before Captain Shaw, an eager suppliant.) 

Nolan. Have you no work for me, sir? 

Shaw. (Kindly but with decision) Mr. Nolan, 
1 must ask you to keep your cabin, sir. 

Nolan. Sir ! — Don't send me in there ! — Put 
me — somewhere where there's danger, sir ! 

Shaw. I have no authority to put you in any 
post of danger, sir, — any more than I would any 
civilian passenger. Moreover, you cannot stay 
here ! — I must remind vou that this deck is the most 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 67 

exposed position on board — They will aim straight 
through here for the mast — I must ask that you go 
to your cabin — at once ! 

(Nolan, reading the decision in Captain Shaw's 
eyes, goes slowly up to his cabin door, opens it 
and goes inside, the door is closed.) 

Shaw. (Calling up to Cole) Ahoy there aloft, 
Mr. Cole! Anything to report? 

Cole. Nothing, sir. I've lost her again. An- 
other cloud of fog has blotted her out. 

Shaw. Keep a sharp lookout. 

Cole. Aye, aye, sir. 

Shaw. (Calling to the men on the gun deck 
below) Stand ready, my hearties. She may aim 
to surprise us. 

ist Gunner. (From below) Let her come on! 

2nd Gunner. (Front below) Aye, aye, let her 
come ! 

Boatswain. (Hurrying on from l.) Silence! 
(To Captain, saluting) I think I hear voices off 
to starb'd, sir. 

(Captain holds up a warning hand, goes over to- 
ward the left and listens. Silence for a moment. 
Then follows a sound of muffled voices off- 
stage. Every man is alert.) 

Shaw. (After a slight pause of suspense, in 
loud, commanding voice) What ship is that? 
(Silence. In more commanding, even threatening 
voice) What ship is that? (Muffled sound of 
orders off-stage) Answer — or I fire! 

(Almost instantly comes the report of a cannon, 
followed by the sound of crashing through the 
rigging. A Bugler takes up his position be- 
side the Captain.) 



6S THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Phillips. (From deck below) Shall we fire, 
sir? 

Shaw. Wait! 

( Another shot crashes against the side of the ship.) 

Phillips. Now, sir? They're cutting us to bits. 
Shaw. Not yet. We've no shot to lose. 

(Another shot tears away a boom.) 

Phillips. There'll be nothing left of us, sir. 

Shaw. Wait! 

Cole. (From rigging) There she is, sir — com- 
ing straight on ! 

Shaw. Close with her, sailing master ! Along- 
side ! Hard a starboard! (To men) Now, boys, 
steady ! Give her a broadside ! 

(The Bugler gives the signal for firing. The 
cannon arc fired almost simultaneously. Groans 
arc heard off-stage.) 

Voice. (From deck below, from out the smoke) 
They got us that time ! 

Another Voice. (Broken with pain) Take my 
place, somebody — I'm off with Davy Jones. (Groan) 

Sailor. (In panic, running in from the left) 
Sir ! — Lieut. Phillips 

Shaw. Not wounded? 

Sailor. Killed, sir ! 

Shaw. Get Truxton there! — Phillips killed! — 
Poor fellow ! 

Cole. She'll soon be on us, sir. 

Shaw. Hard to helm, sailing master. Catch her 
on the wind'ard ! (Turns and calls out right) 
Stand by with the grappling irons ! (Men rush left 
with heavy irons. To gunners) Look to your 
guns, look to your guns there! — Where's Truxton? 
(Exits down companion ladder left. There is an- 
other roar of cannon and more calls and groans from 
the deck below) 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 69 
(Nolan flings open his door and comes out.) 

Nolan. Captain, — I — (Sees that the deck is de- 
serted and stands startled. Two men appear from 
the right bearing Truxton icon tided between them. 
Nolan springs to their side) Truxton! You're 
wounded ! 

Truxton. (Irritable but game) Well what 
would you have a man be when he gets all mixed 
up with a cannon ball ? 

Nolan. (To the bearers, opening his own cabin 
door) Bring him in here. 

Truxton. No, you don't — Captain sent for me — 
to command th' gun deck — and — I'm going — to — ■ 
do it! 

Nolan. Bring him in here. (He exits into his 
cabin and the others with Truxton follow him) 

(On the deck below there is growing confusion. 
The roar of the firing comes increasingly, A 
Sailor slightly wounded comes running up the 
stairs and in left.) 

Sailor. Mr. Truxton — Mr. Truxton- — (He runs 
out right, still calling) 

2nd Sailor. (Running in from down left) Mr. 
Truxton — the captain's calling you ! 

Nolan. (Entering, followed by the stretcher 
bearers) He's not so dangerously hurt as I feared. 
Ask the doctor to see him. Get to your posts. 

(The men salute and exit right. Again there is a 
roar of cannon.) 

A Gunner. (Runs i)i from left in a state of 
panic) We're done for, sir — There's no one to 
command our guns ! 

(Nolan picks up a pistol off the deck where 
Truxton has dropped it.) 

Nolan. Get back to your post. (He stations 



70 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

himself left at the companion ladder and speaks to 
the men below) Back, bad;, all of you! To your 
places, men! (Leans over the rail that guards this 
deck edge from the deck belozv) Men, we haven't 
bgun to fight yet ! — Take up that rammer ! Quick 
with the ammunition! There'll be no surrender on 
this ship while there's a man and a gun left. Quick, 
the grape ! Now, the powder ! That's it. Now run 
her out. — Good ! Light her up. (He climbs up and 
stands, one foot on the keg of pozuder — the other on 
the railing — a clear mark to the pirate ship) We'll 
soon see who is master of the seas ! 

(Report of cannon; smoke; groans from off-stage. 
Men on board "Warren" give three cheers.) 

Joe. {Running en from out left) Fer th' sake 
of heaver, sir — don't stand up there — they'll kill ye, 
sir. (The doctor enters from the right, goes into 
Nolan's stateroom, stays there a few moments, 
then comes out and exits again. Joe pointing to 
the keg Nolan is standing on) But that's powder, 
sir ! They'll blew you to bits. 

Nolan. Let them blow. (Brushing Joe aside, 
in kindly tone) Get out of the way, Joe. — Good 
shot, men. At 'em again. Courage ! A glorious 
right means a glorious victory ! — Run in the guns ! 
That's it! Load! Let 'em be double-shotted! 
That's it ! Run her out ! Fire ! (Report of cannon, 
followed by more groans off-stage) That's it — 
Now again ! 

Gunner. We'll have to wait, sir. It's hot ! 

Nolan. Hot with patriotism ! Good old gun, 
we're fighting for our country to-day ! 

(A shot aimed at him brings down the rigging 

nearby.) 

Joe. (In a frenzy of anxiety) Come down, sir, 
they'll get you there. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 71 

Nolan. (Laughing) I'm shot-and-shell proof. 
(To men) Now lads, — at 'em again! We'll clear 
the seas of these black dogs. Pour it into 'em ! 

Men. (Chorus of voices from bclozv) 

Aye, aye, sir ! 

Feed 'em to the sharks ! 

Nolan. Or send them to Jonah's private resi- 
dence ! (Men laugh) Easy there, my man, with the 
fodder. You'll give him a pain if you overload his 
stomach. A little at a time. That's it. Now, out 
with him! Let him go. (Men fire it. Report. 
Groans from other ship) How do you like that, 
Captain Kid? (To another gunner) Aim for the 
mizzen-mast, lad. Good practice, and will save the 
hull. More prize money that way, too. 

Gunner. (Off-stage) Aye, aye, sir. (Aims, 
fires. There is the crash of the falling mast from 
the other ship. Men set up a shout of joy) 

Nolan. (To the gunner below) Good! You've 
made a brig of her. We'll have her a sloop yet ! 
Load again now r ! 

(Captain Shaw comes bounding up the companion 

ladder.) 

Shaw. Truxton, get down — (Sees it is Nolan 
and stands amazed) Mr. Nolan, I put Truxton in 
command here ! Where is he ? 

Nolan. (Indicating his cabin) There! 
Wounded ! — (Shaw goes swiftly in and in a second 
comes out again. Nolan calls to the men) Now 
let her cool a bit ! 

Shaw. (Coming up to him and seising him by 
the arm and pulling him down beside him) Who 
left that powder here? (Calling dozvn to the deck 
belozv) Come up here! (A Sailor comes running 
in from left) Take that away! (The Sailor takes 



72 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY ' 

the keg out left. Shaw turns to Nolan) Do you 
think we want you shot, too? 

Nolan. {Crestfallen, thinking he is dismissed 
from the position he has assumed) I — I beg your 
pardon, sir — I was just showing them how we used 
to do it in the artillery, sir. 

Shaw. And making a mark of yourself ! Get 
down there on the gun deck. 

Nolan. You mean, I may — ■? — Yes, sir! (He 
runs out left) 

Shaw. (Calling after him) Tell those men 
what to do down there. 

Nolan. (Calling back) Yes, sir! .(To the 
men below) Are you ready, men? 

Chorus. (Confident shouts from the deck below, 
greeting him) Aye, aye, sir! 

(The fight is now on fast and furious; pozvder boys 

running back and forth betzvecn guns and 

_ hatchway, replenishing ammunition. Amid it 

all is heard the wild, unintelligible cries of the 

pirates.) 

Cole. She's cutting across our bow, sir ! 

Shaw. Ready with the anchors ! Stand by with 
the grappling irons ! (Men rush across the deck 
from right to left, ready for throwing) Steady, 
now! wait until she comes alongside! (The pirate 
ship crashes against the " Warren " . A medley of 
orders are given in a foreign tongue off-stage) 
Hook her, lads. Cheerily, my men. (Shaw speaks 
to group after group off-stage left and on the deck 
below) Down with the anchors ! Lash her to the 
mizzen-mast ! (To gunners) Now! Rake her, 
lads ! Comb her decks ! 

Nolan. (Off-stage) All together, lads. 

(The cannon booms.) 
Shaw. Bugler, call the boarders! (Bugler 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 73 

gives signal. Men, armed with pistol, cutlass and 
pike rush forward from out right, and stand ready, 
eager for the signal. To marines with muskets) To 
the tops, men ! Pepper them ! 

Men. (Scrambling up into the rigging) Aye, 
aye, sir. (Standing in the rigging, braced against 
the halyards, they pick off men on the other ship) 

Boarder. Put us aboard, sir. 

Shaw. Steady, my lads. Wait! (To men with 
grappling irons) Pull her in! Closer. (To men 
in the rigging) Pick off the man at the wheel! 
(Report of musket; groan from other ship) That's 
it. Let no man touch that wheel. 

Boarders. Put us aboard, sir ! Let us get at 
their dirty throats ! 

Shaw. Wait ! We're swinging closer. 

(Steady fire kept up throughout.) 

Boarders. Now, sir, we can get across ! 

Shaw. Boarders away! (The Bugler gives the 
signal. There is a rusli and a roar as from wild 
animals as Boarders of both ships fight for su- 
premacy; the air filled with cries) The hand 
grenades ! ( The cry of hand grenades is passed 
along. Men rush on deck with buckets) To the 
rigging! (They scramble up to where Cole is 
stationed) Mr. Cole, aim for the open hatchways. 

Cole. Aye, aye, sir. 

{The men lie along the rigging, passing the hand 
grenades along, the last man applies a slow 
match and passes the grenade to Cole.) 

Man. (Rushing in from left) The hold is filling 
with water ! 

Another Man. (Running forward from right) 
We are on fire, sir. 

Shaw. Use the water to put out the fire. That's 



74 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

what I call the hand of Providence. Drop it now, 
Cole. The open hatches. 

Cole. Aye, aye, sir. (Throws one. It misses. 
Throws another. It also misses. The third one 
explodes. Cries) 

Shaw. Guns! Stop firing! 

(At this signal Nolan rushes up from the deck 

below.) 

Nolan. They're driving our men back, sir! 

(A crowd of Pirates surge from off-stage left, 
rear dozvn on the boarders of the " Warren " , 
pushing them back.) 

Nolan. (Rushing into the midst of the fray) 
Come on, lads ! All together now ! Push them 
back! (They make a rush together, gradually 
crowding the pirates back until they are out of sight 
off left. From a little distance off-stage can be 
heard Nolan's encouraging cries in the intervals) 
The dogs ! Now we have them on their knees. 
Give them no quarter ! Back, back ! Good work, 
men ! 

(There is a loud victorious shout. A moment later 
Joe appears with the pirate ensign, and holds 
it out to the Captain, other sailors and mar'uies, 
some wounded slightly, all begrimed and zveary, 
follow, crozvding in back of him.) 

Joe. (To the Captain as he offers him the 
ensign) Mr. Nolan's compliments, sir, and he sends 
you this. 

(The crozvd grozvs. Ingham, Cole and other 
Officers appear from both sides of the deck.) 

Shaw. (Taking it) Where is Mr. Nolan? 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 75 

Joe. He's back there, sir. 
ist Sailor. He's here, sir. 

(The crowd of sailors make a lane and push Nolan 
forward from their midst.) 

The Crowd. (As he appears before the Cap- 
tain) Three cheers for "Plain Buttons!" 

(They are given with a will.) 

Nolan. (Moved with deep emotion) Thank 
you, lads. (He starts for his cabin but is halted 
b\ the Captain's voice) 

Shaw. Wait, Mr. Nolan! — I have something to 
say to you ! 

Nolan. (Cringing, expecting rebuke) I — I 
know I should have waited for orders, sir ! 

Shaw. (Cordially) Orders be hanged! We 
are all very grateful to you to-day, sir ! 

Nolan. (Staring at him, amazed) You for- 
give me, sir? — I — I — thought 

Shaw. Forgive you? — Why man, you've saved 
the day, sir ! — I shall never forget it — and no man 
here will ever let you forget it. (Cheers from the 
Sailors) You are one of us to-day — you shall be 
mentioned in the despatches ! 

Nolan. (Turning away his head, too moved to 
speak; finally chokes out) Thank you, sir. (Starts 
to move away) 

Shaw. (Unbuckling Jiis own sword of ceremony) 
Mr. Nolan, I want you to wear this. 

Nolan. (Eagerly; hesitatingly; almost afraid to 
take it) Oh, sir, I ! 

Shaw. Put it on, sir, — you've earned it. 

(Nolan takes it, starts to put it on witli trembling 
fingers, but staggers and falls back into the 
arms of Danforth zvho is nearest him.) 

Joe. (Running to him) Sir ! — You are wounded ! 



;6 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Nolan. Lay me down, lads. 
Shaw. A stretcher here 



(Tzvo men come on from the right with a stretcher. 
Danforth and Joe lay Nolan gently on it.) 

Shaw. (To Nolan) My dear fellow, why 
didn't you tell us? 

Nolan. It isn't much — but it's enough. 

Shaw. Tell the doctor to come here. (Tunis 
to the crowd) Go, men! It's double grog to-night. 

( Tlie Sailors turn and leave the deck very qu'ctlj. 
The Officers, too, scatter till no one is left but 
Shaw, Morris, Danforth and Joe with 

Nolan.) 

Nolan. (Looking after them) Good fellows, 
all. 

Shaw. (Bending over him) Would you like to 
go to your cabin? — I'll have Mr. Truxton moved. 

Nolan. (Shakes his head) I'd rather be out 
here under the sky. 

(The Doctor comes from left. Shaw gives him 
a look and gesture. He drops on one knee be- 
side Nolan and c.rcmi::es the wound in his 
chest, then lays a hand on his breast. After 
a moment he rises and faces Shaw silently.) 

Nolan. I know, doctor — it's enough! (He turns 
to Danforth ivho is supporting him, with a radiant 
look) Lad, I'm going home! (He looks around 
at the men) I want to say to all of you what I 
am sure you know without my telling— that there 
is not in this ship, that there is not in America, God 
bless her, a more loyal man than I. There cannot 
be a man who loves the flag as I do, or prays for it 
as I do — or hopes for it as I do. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 77 

Shaw. (Taking Nolan's hand) We know that, 
Nolan, we know that! 

Nolan. (To Danforth) Lad, in my cabin — 
there's my flag — take it down — and give it to me 
here — I want to lay my hands upon it. (Danforth 
goes into Nolan's cabin up right. Nolan turns to 
the other men) Leave me alone with the boy, — I 
want to speak to him. (Shaw and the others turn 
away as Danforth conies back, and they move 
quietly away to some distance. Joe goes down out 
left. Danforth brings with him a beautiful silk 
American flag and lays it over Nolan's knees. 
Nolan thanks him with a look and fingers it lov- 
ingly as he talks on) There are fifteen stars in it, 
Danforth, there has never been one taken away. I 
thank God for that — I know by that that there has 
never been any success for Aaron Burr. 

Danforth. No, never ! 

Nolan. There will be others — from time to time 
— men who will try to wreck America but they will 
never do it. She is too deep in the hearts of her 
citizens — I never knew what she meant to me — till 
she was taken away. She will go up and on — a 
great country — up and on to her high destiny. (His 
voice grozvs weaker) Come nearer, boy !— I want 
to speak to you 

(Danforth kneels beside him and lays his hand on 

Nolan's.) 

Danforth. Yes, Mr. Nolan. 

Nolan. Lad, I've learned to love you on this 
cruise, and I'm going to give my flag to you. I 
want it to mean something to you. You're a. dear 
fellow, John, but sometimes I've thought you were 
a little restive, a little inclined to criticize the men 
at the helm, sometimes I've feared for your loyalty. 

Danforth. I didn't mean to seem disloyal, sir. 



;8 THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Nolan. I know you didn't, but youngster, I want 
you to let my life show you what it is to be without 
a family, without a home, and without a country. 
And if you are ever tempted to say a word or to do 
a thing that shall put a bar between you and your 
family, your home and your country, pray God, in 
His mercy, to take you that instant home to His own 
heaven. Stick to your family, boy, forget you have 
a self, while you»do everything for them. Think of 
your home, boy, w r rite and send and talk about it. 
Let it be nearer and nearer to your thought, the 
farther you have to travel from it, and rush back to 
it when you are free as though it were th: only spct 
on earth for you. And for your Country, boy, 
{Here Nolan raises himself; his face and voice 
take on commanding majesty) and for this flag, 
never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids 
you, though the service carry you through a thou- 
sand hells. No matter what happens to you, no 
matter who flatters you, or who abuses you, never 
look at another flag, never let a night pass, but you 
pray God to bless this flag. Remember, boy, that 
behind all these men you have to do with, behind 
officers and Government and people even, there is 
the Country Herself, your Country, and that you 
belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. 
Stand by her, boy, as you would stand by your own 
mother if those devils yonder should lay hold of 
her to-day. 

Danforth. By all that's holy, sir, I promise you 
I will. I never thought of doing anything else, sir. 

Nolan. Good boy, good boy! (He sinks back 
as though exhausted. From off across the water 
comes the sound of a ship's band playing martial 
music. Nolan stirs) What's that? 

Danforth. (Rising to his feet and looking out 
to sea) Why, it's the Vixen! She's found us! 
She sees our victory and is playing to us. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 79 

Nolan. That's right ! I will sleep now. (He 
turns his face aside and closes his eyes) 

{The sun breaks through a passing cloud and throws 
its shaft of light on the brilliant colors of the 
flag. The ship's band in the distance swells 
louder in its triumphant music.) 

Curtain falls 

EPILOGUE 

The curtain rises upon the Recruiting Officer, 
seated at his table; the Slacker sitting on the 
camp-stool at R. of table, trying to hide his 
emotion. 

Officer. And that, my boy, is the story of Philip 
Nolan, who in a moment of anger, cursed his 
country. (The Slacker stumbles to his feet, and 
gropes his zvay out of the tent, fumbling for his 
handkerchief as he goes, turns his head away, to 
dash the tears from his eyes and choke dozvn the 
lump in his throat. The Officer comes out, and 
lays his hand gently on the boy's arm) 

Slacker. (In a broken voice, trying to control 
his emotion) I've learned my lesson, sir. (The 
Officer pats him on the shoulder as a father would) 
I guess you'll think I've the heart of a woman. 

Officer. You've got the heart of a true Amer- 
ican. 

Slacker. (Squarinq his shoulders, and trying 
to control his voice) Have you one of them enlist- 
ment blanks ? 

Officer. Waiting for you. (Pushes blank for- 
ward ) 

(The Boy starts to sit dozvn. Off-stage, as if com- 
ing from a distance, comes the strain of " Over 
there") 

Slacker. The soldiers, sir! 



8o THE MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY 

Vender. (Coming onstage) Getta de color! 
Showa de color ! 

Slacker. You bet I'll show the colors ! (Rush- 
ing to him) 

Vender. Whicha one? Dis naice. (Starting 
to take one out) 

(The music is drawing nearer all the time. The 
tramp of marching becomes louder and louder.) 

Slacker, (snatching up board, and at same time 
looking into left of audience, as if looking down the 
street) All of them. We're all together in this! 
There it comes ! Hurrah ! 

(Lifts board high above head, and waves it back 

and forth as music and tramp of feet draw 
near.) 

Vender. (Alarmed at fate of his wares as 
Stacker waves with increasing enthusiasm) Oh! 
Oh! Signor ! (Running from R. to l. behind the 
Slacker, following the course of his flags) My 
flagga ! My flagga ! Oh, Signor. 

(The Slacker takes his hat off to wave, seeing 
Vender's outstretched arm, gives him hat, con- 
tinuing to wave enthusiastically. Pedestrians 
come on from r. and from l. looking out into 
audience with seeing-a-parade expression, join 
■in cheering, and in forming an enthusiast' 1 
crowd.) 

Curtain 



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